Denise Welch has celebrated 11 years of sobriety with a poignant Instagram post about her decision to give up alcohol on Tuesday.
The Loose Women star, 64, shared two photos of herself, taken 11 years apart, and detailed how sobriety changed her life for the better.
The former Corrie star explained how her “disastrous” relationship with alcohol affected her relationship with her husband Lincoln Townley as well as the lives of her sons Louis, 22, and Matty, 34, who she shares with ex Tim Healy.
Welch said that although getting sober “wasn’t easy”, it has changed her life and the lives of her loved ones.
She wrote in the caption alongside the photos: “11 yrs sober today!!! Giving up my disastrous relationship with alcohol changed my life, my husband’s life and my children’s lives. Plus the lives of all who love me.
“It wasn’t easy. Addiction is a cruel and frightening illness. But together @lincolntownley and I realised that we were destroying many lives including our own and we did it.
“I now have a wonderful marriage that is the foundation of my life. Our kids are happy and I hope those of you struggling find the strength to stop.
“If alcohol no longer makes you happy, if your drinking makes others’ lives miserable it’s time to stop. There is help there if you need it.”
After publicly marking the milestone, many of her famous pals as well as her Loose Women co-stars congratulated her on the feat.
Nadia Sawalha penned: “I am in awe… one day at a time for 11 years! And look what it’s brought you! So happy for you both.”
While Ruth Langsford commented: “You’re amazing and such a great help to others.”
“Well done babes, very proud of you,” wrote This Morning’s Alison Hammond.
Michelle Heaton, who has openly spoken about her own addiction, added: “Yes my super star friend!! Xx I’m 2 years next week.”
After receiving such an outpouring of support, Welch responded to her friends and followers in the comments section, writing: “I’m honestly so touched and overwhelmed by your comments and support. Thank you so much.”
