Recovering drug addicts join in on inaugural Walk Against Ice held in Broadbeach

This Gold Coast man was an ice addict for 24 years, with his darkest years spent behind bars. Then, a police officer gave him a dire warning that changed everything.

FORMER drug addicts armed with signs, flags and T-shirts marched through Broadbeach in a bid to ensure other people did not fall victim to the drug ice.

About 80 people, mostly recovering drug addicts, took part in the inaugural Walk Against Ice organised by the Australian Anti Ice Campaign.

Standing out in the crowd was Gavin Pereira who brought along large sign urging people to put family before drugs.

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Gavin Pereira (with sign) in the Walk Against Ice in Broadbeach on September 15. Picture: Annie Perets

He’s been clean for almost seven years after 24 years as an addict.

More than ten of his darkest years were spent in jail for drug production and trafficking.

Mr Pereira said he decided to get clean when a police officer warned him his daughter would be taken off him if he did not change.

“Life is so much better off meth,” Mr Pereira said.

“Now that I’m clean, I spend my time helping others recover.”

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Walk Against Ice in Broadbeach on September 15. Picture: Annie Perets

The Walk Against Ice was a chance for people who have been impacted to ice to exchange stories and inspire each other.

Gold Coaster Jade Davidson has been clean for six-weeks following a 24 year struggle.

She said she could not be happier.

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Jade Davidson and Josh Boyd took part in the Walk Against Ice in Broadbeach on September 15. Picture: Annie Perets

“I lost everything to the addiction except my sanity,” Ms Davidson said.

“I’ve just got my life back and am finally living again.”

Josh Boyd had just graduated from Fairhaven and drew inspiration from those with success stories.

Participants walked a lap from the Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club starting at 10am.

Australian Anti Ice Campaign chief executive officer Andrea Simmons said the walk would become an annual event.