A former soldier who "hit rock bottom" drinking nine litres of cider and whisky a day turned his life around after his addiction almost killed him.
For 20 years, Joseph Rimmer, from Huyton, struggled with alcohol. Frequently enjoying boozy nights out with his fellow Royal Green Jackets, his love of beer and spirits exploded into full-on addiction after he left the forces in 2004, leading to years of mental and physical anguish as he repeatedly vowed to kick the destructive habit - only to relapse every time.
He said: "My average day consisted of nothing but drinking, 24/7. When I was awake, I drank. When I woke up in the morning, I'd have a few swigs of cider and go back to sleep. I had to have at least half a bottle before I could function."
