The garden has been quite neglected over the last couple of years. Looking after my mother as she slowly died took priority. I have tried to start the long task of tidying it up and replanting. Its not a garden for food although I used to grow tomatoes in the greenhouse and there are a couple of apple trees. It was always intended as a wildlife friendly garden. A small oasis in the heart of the city.

The pond which I built myself many years ago.It quickly attracted frogs and dragonflies....

It's the morning of October 1st 2009. I wake up lying in a pool of my own vomit on my bed.

This wasn't just a night of heavy drinking at university. The feelings of being frightened, confused and distorted are not the typical feelings you would associate with a typical student night out. No....these were different.

These were feelings that I had never experienced before ever in my life. It was the first time in my life I myself had ever felt fearful for my own safety....