A MAN who overcame drug addiction and went to set up a successful charity in Wrexham has been recognised by the National Lottery. 

Marcus Fair survived a 25-year heroin and crack cocaine addiction, vast swathes of homelessness and multiple prison sentences before going on to found charity Eternal Media.

Marcus’ life had spiralled to the point where he endured many rock bottoms and countless overdoses on the streets, lost in the cycle of addiction. He recalls a moment in prison where he only knew it was his 40th birthday because the methadone nurse dispensing a heroin substitute saw it on his prescription and sang happy birthday to him.

He started making films again in prison and knew that if he could just get back into that creative space, he might be able to find his return ticket from hell and become drug free.

It was during his last stint in prison – a sentence which Marcus credits with saving his life – that whilst sat on his prison bunkbed staring through the bars of his cell, Eternal Media was conceived.

The charity works with offenders, ex-offenders and those who are susceptible to offending, focusing on people seeking, or in recovery from addiction. By offering support, education, volunteering and training opportunities in filmmaking and other media formats, Eternal is a safe space for participants to explore their creativity with like-minded people in various stages of recovery.

Working out of a 1960's Cold War Nuclear Bunker in Wrexham, Marcus uses his personal experience as someone who has found way out of long-term drug addiction, homelessness and crime, to now being able to show others a way out of the living nightmare of addiction, offending and all too often a lonely avoidable death on our streets.

Mentored in London by a BAFTA winning filmmaker, Marcus brings back and shares industry skills to his crew and participants in North Wales to make stunningly beautiful, emotive and impactful documentary films with people across the country from many communities as well as prisoners.

Eternal's productions are used globally and all UK prisons also have access to its podcasts and films.

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With the help of almost £180,000 of National Lottery funding, Eternal Media has welcomed over 700 people through the doors of the bunker to show that positive change isn't just possible, it's probable.

Marcus was one of seven people selected by the National Lottery in their search for Community Game Changers.

He was honoured by the National Lottery for the impact he has had in his local community, with a ceremony in London and a special artwork displayed in St James Park, London.

Marcus said: “I started Eternal Media as a ‘life after addiction’ project because nothing like it existed and I thought to myself, 'I'm the worst addict I know, and if it's having such a profound effect on keeping me clean and out of prison, surely Eternal could do the same for others?' And it does, day in day out."

“I feel that my 25 years in addiction are a little less wasted with each new person we support. We deliver high production value media and we make incredible films, but these are really the by-products of what we do, what we really do is rebuild people, rebuild families and rebuild communities, something we're so very passionate and proud of.

"Funding from The National Lottery has enabled us to make the most phenomenal difference and help so many people to transform their lives. As a born addict, it's just in my DNA to want more... and with The National Lottery's support I know we'll help so many more people in years to come!”