Money saved by going sober funds World Cup adventure

A man who paid to attend every England game at the World Cup using money he saved by quitting alcohol says it still feels surreal to have fulfilled his childhood dream.

Darren Thompson, from Hinckley, Leicestershire, is a recovering alcoholic who has returned to the UK after spending the past few weeks following the Three Lions around the US and Mexico.

The 53-year-old told the BBC it was an "amazing trip of a lifetime" that exceeded his expectations and he felt proud to have turned his life around.

Now he hopes his story can help to raise awareness and inspire other people struggling with alcohol addiction.

Thompson said he had been "out of control" and ended up in hospital before turning his life around after a stint in rehab three years ago.

"I didn't go out to be an alcoholic," he said. "I just had a lifetime of drinking with my job, staying in hotels and a big social life. It just all ended up getting a grip of me."

The sales manager said he had dreamed of going to a World Cup ever since he watched England play Spain on TV at the 1982 tournament when he was 10.

He decided to go for it this time round and was successful in obtaining a ticket for every England game.

"All my tickets cost me £9,000," he said. "I'd saved it through not drinking.

"But I got £4,500 back because England didn't get to the final."

Thompson said his highlight of the tournament was England's 3-2 win against Mexico on 5 July.

"It was just amazing," he said. "Being in the atmosphere, being surrounded by England fans.

"I've met so many fantastic people and opposition fans, especially Ghanaian fans, they were amazing.

"We were all dancing. I absolutely loved it and had the time of my life."

Thompson said he was continuing to get support to stay sober but it had not been easy being around people drinking at the World Cup.

"Some of the games you could take beer into the ground and when we scored, I got covered in beer," he said.

"It was just the way it was but I got through it.

"I am quite proud of myself. I can't believe I'm doing all these things and not drinking. My life's completely changed."

Thompson said his 35-day tour was "incredible", adding it was a "childhood dream that's actually come true".

Since sharing his story with the BBC, he said people had reached out to him on social media.

"I've had an ex-work colleague who said he hasn't had a drink for a few months and it was all down to me," he said.

"This is what it's all about. I've been there, I feel for people with addictions.

"If I could help someone and inspire them, raise awareness, then it's all worthwhile."

• Details of information and support for anyone struggling with addiction are available through the BBC Action Line

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