THE founder of The Well drug and alcohol rehabilitation organisation has received two prestigious awards this month thanks to his outstanding work for the Barrow community.

David Higham, the organisation's chief executive, was awarded by Love Barrow with their Ambassador of the Year 2022 award.

He was also presented with the Markel 3rd Sector Care Leadership Award for his work in the community.

David founded the Wells Community in order to help others in the area who are battling addiction or going through personal difficulties.

He has built the organisation into a pillar of the community which has helped people get their lives back on track.

David said: "It was very unexpected to get these awards. It was brilliant.

"I was invited to the award ceremony but I couldn't make it down in the end as I had to help a volunteer, but Ged Pickersgill went down on my behalf.

"He didn't expect to be collecting an award. I certainly didn't either.

"When he texted me about it, I couldn't believe it.

"He texted me and said I had won the Ambassador Award and I was blown away.

"I was over the moon about it.

"It was very humbling and I was very grateful.

"During the time of living in Barrow back in my addiction days I wanted to run a service round here that I could use to give back to the community.

"I wanted to create a physical recovery service and challenge addiction in the area.

"Now we've made one of the best ones around.

"We also work to raise that profile on a national level which is why I got the leadership award as well.

"Two awards in the last month. Not bad.

"The national leadership third sector award was for raising the profile of Barrow onto the national level.

"We are now involved in a network of recovery organisations, including the College of Lived Experience recovery organisation.

"We've been involved in the Carol Black Review and the National Quality Standards for Drug Treatment.

"I was blown away being named Ambassador of the Year and for the Third Sector award.

"Next week I am going to London to see my wife receive her MBE. I am so proud of her."

For information on the Wells Community visit thewellcommunities.co.uk.