Jessica Kang
Jessica Kang has joined Action on Addiction as a runner in the postponed 2020 Royal Parks Half Marathon which will now take place on 11th April 2021. She decided to take part and fundraise for an addiction charity after witnessing first-hand the devastating affects it can have. Jessica chose Action on Addiction after learning about our M-PACT programme and the support it provides to families affected by addiction.
Jessica has completed a Race for Life 5K for Cancer Research, but the Royal Parks Half Marathon will be her first ever challenge event. Around 3 years ago she started changing her lifestyle by introducing regular exercise, a well-balanced and nutritional diet and has shared her journey on her social media pages.
During the first UK lockdown, Jessica was crowned Miss London 2020 and is now competing for the Miss England title. She says “It’s a lot of hard work and preparation as I’m straight into the finals for Miss England which is hopefully taking place in April next year."
As well as taking part in Miss London, Jessica works with Ealing Council in their HR department. She started off as an apprentice 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back since.
Jessica explains why she decided to fundraise for Action on Addiction
“The charity is very close to my heart. Addiction drastically affected our lives. I lost my father to addiction when I was about 12, and my mother wasn’t able to raise me and my sister because of her addiction, so we were brought up by our grandparents. Not having a mum and dad there all the time was very difficult. Like at school, when other children talked about their mums and dads, it was tough.
My mum is in recovery now. When she first got into recovery, we started having a relationship, rebuilding what we had lost. We have such a perfect relationship now. Before we had no contact at all. No communication. I didn’t really know her growing up to be honest. It was only when she started getting better that things started to change. We get along so well, she is literally like my best friend, we’re always chatting on the phone. I can tell her anything and everything. She has been clean about 8 years now. My mother and my upbringing are my motivations.
That’s why I really want to inspire and motivate people. No matter what you have been through or how you were brought up, you can always come out stronger on the other side. Whether you’re the person with the addiction, or a family member.
She is so proud of my sister and I, how we have progressed and come out of the situation. We’re doing well for ourselves, we’ve got good jobs, and we’re happy for her because she is 100% clean and strong and healthy.”
I’m in a good place with everything now, which is why I want to share my story, fundraise and hopefully inspire and motivate other people who are going through the same thing.”
To support Jessica's half marathon challenge, click here.