Born in Belfast in 1967, when the troubles were starting to reach a cresendo, it seems trouble was destined to be a major part of his life. Doug has been through more in the last 15 years than most people will go through in a couple of lifetimes.  He has literally and figuratively been 'through the fire' and he is now rising from the flames and ashes of his previous life to provide hope, encouragement and direction to young people, people with addictions, people with mental illness and every day people trying to find a purpose.  

 

Doug has been able to rise from the ashes of Drug and Alcohol addiction, broken relationships, Mental Illness and third-degree burns to over 50% of his body.  He was literally rescued from the flames and ashes as his house burnt down around him and almost took his life.  Since that point Doug has developed techniques and strategies to help himself and others to arise, like the Phoenix, from the ashes and reach new heights.