East London Archives of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Mike was a hero in his own story.
Not the kind with capes or headlines—but the kind who faced himself, changed course, and kept walking.
He’d come through serious life challenges—the kind that leave marks.
But the man I knew was present, kind, spiritual, and generous.
Twenty years of continuous sobriety, one day at a time.
That’s twenty years of choosing life, again and again.

He didn’t just survive—he lived.
He flew a light aircraft.
He studied drama therapy.
He played a part in a Hollywood blockbuster movie!
He immersed himself in meditation and spirituality.

He travelled to York many times to help and wore his suit which he enjoyed telling me about!
He became completely content in his flat, surrounded by the magnificent view of Greenwich College and the River Thames.
That view became his sanctuary.
And he earned it.

He made me and many others cups of tea and always ensured there was a slice of cake in his home. He created a sanctuary for others in his own small way which made a big difference. A lighthouse.

One of his proudest adventures was a trip to New York.
From there, he took the Greyhound bus all the way to Ohio for Founders Day.
He loved that trip.
It was brave, it was bold, and it was his way of honouring the roots of recovery.

But his greatest legacy was service.

He mentored many men—quietly, consistently, without fanfare.
He taught a man in his seventies to read.
Think about that.
He didn’t just help people stay sober.
He helped them reclaim their dignity.
He passed to them tools to live.

Joseph Campbell said,
“God is a metaphor for that which transcends all levels of intellectual thought.”
My friend loved and lived that metaphor.
He transcended the labels, the past, the pain.
He became something more. He became real.

So today, I honour not just his memory, but his journey.
From hardship to healing.
From silence to service.

From struggle to serenity.

Rest well, my friend.
You were a hero.
And you are loved.

Mike’s sober date was 24/09/2004 – If you wish to write a few words about Mike, then please feel free to in the comments section.