Martin's Story
Martin John was born in 1963 into abject poverty in Bow, East London. Having no formal schooling he was educated by his father Mervin John, an East End gangster turned scrap metal merchant. After learning the trade back-to-front Martin branched out into the furniture business in his late 20s and was a self-made millionaire by the age of 33. Sadly as his financial success increased he became heavily addicted to cocaine and alcohol and squandered his hard-earned fortune over the next 30 years. By the age of 54 he was broke, hugely overweight and preying for a quick death as he regretted losing everything to the white powder. But he was saved by a road-to-Damascus moment after he miraculously survived an overdose.
Martin turned to fitness to overcome his demons and has been clean ever since. He now uses his experiences to help others with addiction problems. To reach as many people as possible he regularly posts inspirational videos on Instagram and has gained a dedicated following. The sharp tongued Eastender pulls no punches in his no-holds-barred monologues and has helped dozens of people get clean in the past year alone.
“I was a mug for getting hooked on cocaine. I was a brash young man who thought he knew everything but I didn’t factor in what the dreaded white powder would do to me.
"I do whatever I can to help people. I'm always getting messages from people off Instagram thanking me for helping them get clean. It's means everything to help someone turn their life around and I'd encourage anyone affected by the curse of addiction to get help because it's never too late."
As well as motivating people online, Martin has written an inspirational book which details his rags to riches and back again life.
After making a fortune in the furniture trade it details the heartbreaking torment of slowly losing everything as he became increasingly addicted to cocaine.
Eventually Martin sank into a deep depression as his life crumbled around him when his second marriage failed.
The book, called Get Clean, culminates with Martin losing his dignity and trying to kill himself with an overdose. He miraculously survived and from that day forward decided to turn his life around - vowing to never touch the drug again.
Its last chapter chronicles exactly how the father-of-three turned his life around and got fit again.
“We all have the strength inside us to overcome anything. It’s all about self belief.
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An amazing read, written in a completely authentic and honest manner. If yopu've met Martin you can hear his voice throughout. An amazing account. What a life he has had.
Martin shows what can be done with determination. His six week get clean plan, set out in detail, is a model.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who wants to read a motivational story of what can be done.