Former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton left fans horrified on Tuesday when she took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking selfie from five months ago.
The snap, taken when the 42-year-old was going through an alcohol battle, shows Michelle with a puffy red face and bloodshot eyes.
But that was just one half of the story, with the former chart-topping pop star also sharing a recent fresh-faced shot to balance the shocking pic.
Wearing a full face of make-up and a beaming smile, Michelle’s eyes looked full of joy.
And that’s because she’s celebrating an impressive 20 weeks off the booze.
The Gateshead-born telly personality claims the photos, which show her before and after a stint in rehab, aren’t designed to alarm people.
In a lengthy caption, she wrote: “This picture is not to shock. It WAS my reality! 20 weeks ago, this was me – ruined. The second is me today, saved”.
“It’s National Sober Day, and it encourages us to celebrate sober life and bring awareness to addiction”, Michelle added.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The former Celebrity Big Brother star went on to say: “It’s also National Recovery Month, and today supports removing the stigma associated with addiction. It opens the lines of communication that lead to better understanding.
“The day provides an opportunity to build educated support networks”.
The songstress also talked about the importance of a solid support system.
She argued that it’s so much easier for people in trouble to pick themselves up and dust themselves off when they have “an aware, loving, and honest cheering section” in their corner.
(Image: Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)
“Encouragement of one day fuels more support and awareness, leading to long-term sobriety.
“That’s something worth celebrating! The opposite of addiction is a connection”, the mum-of-two added eloquently.
Michelle continued with a message of hope for others struggling.
“Recognising this provides a model for future generations who will be my picture one! And then the second picture demonstrates how to enjoy life alcohol-free, the day will embolden future generations to say no to alcohol.”
The TV personality went on to reveal, she is “stronger mentally and physically better than ever”, before stressing the importance of taking “one day at a time” and seeking the help that’s out there!
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
