Reformed addict seeks to help those affected by HIV

Reformed addict seeks to help those affected by HIV

By Laura Lyne

A TALLAGHT man who has turned his life around following a turbulent time of addiction, is set to head to Africa to help people who have been affected by AIDs and HIV and is looking for sponsors to help him achieve his goal.

Paul Maguire, from Cushlawn, will be heading to Uganda as part of a team with Irish NGO Nurture Africa which provides access to quality healthcare, education and sustainable livelihood projects to those affected by AIDs and HIV.

Paul maguire 

Ahead of his trip, Paul is required to fundraise €2,000 to help fund his travel costs to Uganda and to donate toward the programme which was established 2003 as A-Z Children’s Charity.

Speaking to The Echo, 27-year-old Paul discussed his trip to Africa and the journey he has gone through to inspire him to volunteer with Nurture Africa.

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He said: “This is my first time going to Africa, I found out about Nurture Africa through a friend. I’ve been fundraising over the last six weeks, and my aim is €2,000.

“Right now, I’m looking for sponsorship to help me get to Africa. I’m currently in my second year of studying social studies and have previously completed a course in addiction studies.

“I’m a recovering alcoholic and had drug-abuse problems. I’m four-and-a-half years sober, and my whole life has transformed since.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people, and I’ve had some amazing experiences from the people in Tallaght working in treatment programmes and helping with addiction.

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“Going through the process of being approved to go to Africa hasn’t been easy. I have previous convictions from my past, and that’s not something that Nurture Africa would have dealt with before, so it took a lot of meetings and time.

“I’ve been approved for everything now, so it’s just getting the sponsorship so I can go with the team in June.”

Further information about Nurture Africa can be found at www.nurtureafrica.ie – to contact Paul about sponsorship for his trip to Uganda, call 0857439844.

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