Sinner to Saint

There are many people I'd like to thank for their guidance and inspiration throughout my life; far too many to mention here. All my wonderful charity volunteers, without them, of course, my shops simply wouldn't be able to operate; there are upwards of 70 volunteers now. There were a few people who came into my life and made a real difference, they made me realise what a special place the world is if you step back, look around and keep one or two real friends nearby. Not forgetting my best friend in London in the early days, Lee. We got into some scrapes but I wouldn't change a minute from that time. (Well ... perhaps a few.) You truly were like a brother to me. Martin Turner from Edinburgh, name changed but you know who you are. Thanks for being such a good friend over the years, especially those crazy adventures.In San Francisco, a special mention for Michael. As you read this book, and in particular those chapters in America, you'll wonder why the hell I've mentioned my drug dealer. The reality was that he was much more than that; we were brothers in arms, on a wild and wonderful journey. Some would say a coke and an alcohol-fuelled path to self-destruction but the fact is we both survived. I was a big boy and fully able to take those crazy decisions by myself, even although they nearly cost me my life. The memories of those good times will never fade.Also a good friend, Steve Anderson. More tremendous memories and an admission that I was at fault, my friend. How I wish I could turn back the clock and change a few things. The reality was that we were great together. What a business we built up, one that still operates to this day. Steve, I hope you understand why I had to walk away. All I can do is apologise once again and if you ever do read this book I'm sure you will come to understand.A special mention to Tina. The love of my life who broke my heart, and again, the faults were all on my side. The biggest tragedy of my life was that we were unable to grow old together. I love you from the bottom of my heart, sleep well darling, wherever you are.And now ... my best buddy, Steve Bacon. Without a doubt, one of the most miserable bastards on God's earth and there are many days where I would gladly punch you in the mouth after 6 or 7 hours cooped up in the van tgether. But you never let me down; you have always been there for me, especially after the traumas of the last 12 months. It was your encouragement that pushed me into this book. Never in a million years would I have believed that I had the commitment to see this through to the end but I'm so glad I did. In the van, day by day, you became my sounding board for all the little anecdotes and you made me believe that there was indeed a book in me. To my editor Joan Elliott, it was lovely meeting you for the first time, I hope you will be there for me in book two! And finally, thanks to my ghost-writer, Ken Scott. What a journey, what a great year we have both put in. How you jumped into my he...