Racing Alone

Training alone. Racing alone. A poem by Lydia to give hope to COAs.

| November 4, 2024
Nacoa supporter Lydia Racing Alone in blue Nacoa vest to help children affected by their parent's drinking (COAs)
Nacoa supporter Lydia Racing Alone in blue Nacoa vest to help children affected by their parent's drinking (COAs)

Racing Alone

Training alone. Racing alone
Telling the children they are not alone
But that’s how they feel wrapped in shame
A secret held with alcohol to blame

Independence can appear on the outside
These children have no choice but to be resilient
Often smiles on faces to not rock the boat
Home life is a hard time for more than most

Running the path, the voice saying you can’t do any more
Remembering what you are doing it for
Raising the pounds to support a forgotten cause
The one the government shut all the doors
Blown away that so many support and care
So conscious of the stigma that’s always been there
Taking a deep breath and mentally breaking it down
Keep going, feet pounding to the ground

The feeling of alone flipped on its side
Focusing on that finish line
Take in the beauty all around
Life can be good when support is found

The child that wonders why that parent does not care
When something else always comes first seems so unfair

We can take Nacoa’s 6 C’s and help them remember:

I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

We hope to spread this vital message
Helping to give COAs a future of hope
For each child to know it’s not personal to them
Seeking support from this charity to cope

Reach out and talk
Remember you are not alone
That feeling doesn’t have to be a burden locked in a home

And as I ran the track in the pouring rain
Mud squelching in my running trainers again
A girl runs past and shouts “what a great charity!”
So, I up my pace for the 1 in 5, I have a duty
So many come forward and tell of their own experience
Opening the communication to make sure we hear them

Coming over the finish line with such relief
My heart feels overwhelmed for the donations received

That that message that you are not alone
Means more children will pick up the phone
Reach out, talk, and learn Nacoa’s 6 C’s
Your future is bright when you know what to believe

Lydia

Lydia began running to raise money for Nacoa and offer hope to the 1 in 5 children affected by their parent’s drinking. Show your support and sponsor Lydia today.

To read more experience stories, go to Support & Advice.

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Racing Alone

Training alone. Racing alone. A poem by Lydia to give hope to COAs.

Racing Alone

Training alone. Racing alone. A poem by Lydia to give hope to COAs.

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Nacoa supporter Lydia Racing Alone in blue Nacoa vest to help children affected by their parent's drinking (COAs)

Racing Alone

Training alone. Racing alone
Telling the children they are not alone
But that’s how they feel wrapped in shame
A secret held with alcohol to blame

Independence can appear on the outside
These children have no choice but to be resilient
Often smiles on faces to not rock the boat
Home life is a hard time for more than most

Running the path, the voice saying you can’t do any more
Remembering what you are doing it for
Raising the pounds to support a forgotten cause
The one the government shut all the doors
Blown away that so many support and care
So conscious of the stigma that’s always been there
Taking a deep breath and mentally breaking it down
Keep going, feet pounding to the ground

The feeling of alone flipped on its side
Focusing on that finish line
Take in the beauty all around
Life can be good when support is found

The child that wonders why that parent does not care
When something else always comes first seems so unfair

We can take Nacoa’s 6 C’s and help them remember:

I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

We hope to spread this vital message
Helping to give COAs a future of hope
For each child to know it’s not personal to them
Seeking support from this charity to cope

Reach out and talk
Remember you are not alone
That feeling doesn’t have to be a burden locked in a home

And as I ran the track in the pouring rain
Mud squelching in my running trainers again
A girl runs past and shouts “what a great charity!”
So, I up my pace for the 1 in 5, I have a duty
So many come forward and tell of their own experience
Opening the communication to make sure we hear them

Coming over the finish line with such relief
My heart feels overwhelmed for the donations received

That that message that you are not alone
Means more children will pick up the phone
Reach out, talk, and learn Nacoa’s 6 C’s
Your future is bright when you know what to believe

Lydia

Lydia began running to raise money for Nacoa and offer hope to the 1 in 5 children affected by their parent’s drinking. Show your support and sponsor Lydia today.

To read more experience stories, go to Support & Advice.

Recent Donations

You are not alone

Remember the Six "C"s

I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

Experiences

Yasmin Feussner
It wasn’t your fault

Please know that you are not the reason for your father’s rage.
Sarah
I thought of her as selfish, but now I understand

My mum Cheryl passed away suddenly in March at just 58.
Emma
Behind closed doors, family life was chaotic

Family life was chaotic, and we would have regular police visits to our home.

Resources you may like

Parental Substance Use: Supporting School Aged Children

By Hannah Todman and Sarah Galvani (A BASW Practice Guide)
Twinkle, Twinkle Arti

By Danielle Slade
The 1 in 5 Documentary: A film about the forgotten children of alcoholics

By John Taylor
5-Step Self-Help Handbook for Family Members

By AFINet
Nacoa lunchtime lives

By Josh Connolly and special guests
Find Your Oasis – A collection of writing from those affected

By Various

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