Brothers' mission after dad's struggle with alcohol

Two brothers are cycling nearly 500 miles (804 km) in memory of their father, who died from health complications linked to alcohol use.

Sam Shone, 34, and Olly Shone, 32, want to raise awareness about alcoholism after their dad, Phil Shone, struggled with the condition for decades and was unable to receive the help he needed.

The brothers will set off on Saturday from Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, and attempt to cycle Fort William in Scotland to raise funds for Alcohol Change UK.

Olly said: "If this results in even just one person learning about the charity and seeking support to help with their sobriety then I'm happy."

Olly, who plays for the Bristol Pitballs Ice Hockey Team, added: "Dad was one of those people you instantly gravitate towards - a likeable, chilled, stubborn guy with great humour who was the soul of everywhere.

"He had long term struggles with alcohol for 30 years. [He] had a time before Covid when he decided to go sober, which he did for a year, and it changed his life outlook on life.

"He was much happier and content in general, but he was very reluctant to seek support."

Sam, who is a teacher and an ex-Bristol Pitballs player, told the BBC they weren't sure how long their dad was struggling with his addiction when he was alive.

He said: "He was very rarely drunk but he'd always be drinking.

"When we saw his medical notes afterwards, we learnt he'd been to the doctor [about the addiction] 30 years prior.

"Finding out bits and pieces after was really tough - and so many times he could have caught it."

Phil was told a year before Covid he would have to stop drinking if he wanted to go ahead with an important surgery.

He became sober for a year and started cultivating a love for walking and photography, which he'd post on Facebook. He relapsed during lockdown.

Sam said: "I wish that I had really lifted him when he was putting those pictures up.

"Now he's not here and I look back at it - he was putting stuff up there to fill a void."

The funds raised will support Alcohol Change UK's mission to create a society free from the harm caused by alcohol, the pair said.

Sam, who is now a father himself, said his dad didn't know about the charity before he passed.

"If he had," he added. "Maybe he would have sought support with them due to their soft approach."

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