Episode 05 - Shinny

Many of us will admit to a bit of binge drinking and food blow outs - but for James Davenport, excess ruled his life for 35 years.

The former boxer, known as Shinny, is a recovering addict. Not just alcohol - but anything he could get his hands on, from food to drugs to sex.

Between the ages of 13 and 38, Shinny, now 42, from Salford, says he slept with 2,000 women - from girlfriends to one night stands to prostitutes.

But it wasn't enough.

“Alcohol, drugs, sex - anything. The quick, instant gratification was what I wanted", he said.

“From the age of about 12 or 13 when I went fully into sex, up until I was about 38, I calculated that I probably slept with about 2,000 women.
“I have channeled my addictions into getting well and helping others, and want to show others that it can be done. If it wasn’t for my girlfriend Nicole I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s a massive part of my life.

“This disease is always going to be there. You can either wallow in it or fight. My first thought in the morning is always negative, but I quickly change that into a positive and pray to a higher power greater than me to keep me clean and sober for one more day.

“It’s a 24 hour reprieve. I don’t think about tomorrow. If I have to do this for the rest of my life to be a decent father and member of the community, I will.”
Courtesy - Manchester Evening News - Vickie Scullard - 02nd Jun 2019Shinny on Facebook