A FORMER alcohol and cocaine addict is launching a £7m rehab and behavioural health centre — the only purpose built facility of its kind in the UK.

People suffering addictions and work burnout will be able to check into the private facility, Delamere, to benefit from a bespoke treatment programme.

Esteemed addiction specialist Mike Delaney is Delamere’s clinical director and Prof Sir Cary Cooper, world leading expert on wellness, sits on its advisory board.

Founder Martin Preston, 36, of Hale, said: “What we’re creating is something exemplary, something that is different, not for the sake of being different, but because it is needed. We know how important a truly therapeutic environment is in healthcare and have therefore created what works.

“Rehab is an industry characterised by people who want to make a difference having to do it on a shoestring. Environment is often under-invested in, there has been little innovation and outcomes are not well reported. Delamere is here to change that.”

Mr Preston used alcohol and drugs whilst battling crippling anxiety and depression, which took hold after he almost died of meningitis aged 15. By the time he went to university, aged 18, he was dependent on cannabis and drinking a bottle of spirits a day. An initial 28-day stint in rehab saw him manage to stay sober for less than five months before turning back to alcohol, cannabis, and, then, cocaine.

At 21, determined to succeed, he spent a further three months in rehab, followed by 18 months devoted to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, recovery and volunteering in rehab. He has been clean and sober since.

Mr Preston went on to build a successful career in advertising, but had a calling to help people facing addiction. He travelled the world to meet addiction experts, therapists, psychologists, academics and doctors, visiting more than 40 rehab clinics and spent time studying the sector in America.

Since 2015, he has been running a rehab and advice service, Port of Call, speaking daily to people facing addiction crisis, whilst working on Delamere. Mr Preston said: “Delamere rests on the fundamental belief that addiction is a symptom of trauma, psychological distress or mental ill health. Addiction can be a lifesaving coping mechanism, without which someone may not have made it. Entering rehab is an act of courage and strength which should be celebrated. At Delamere we believe in recovery and support, not blame.”

Delamere is creating 30 jobs and is due to open at the end of the year.

Renowned addiction specialist Mike Delaney has contributed to Delamere’s unique treatment programme. Mike, who started his career as a psychiatric nurse, entered the rehab industry in 1998, holding many top level roles. He has been a trailblazer for the introduction of holistic care and complementary therapies and is a pioneer of equine assisted psychotherapy in addiction treatment.

Mike said: “Delamere is the most authentic and forward thinking organisation I’ve worked with. Martin’s experience of rehab himself and with Port of Call means he understands the playing field and the pitfalls. It’s very exciting for everyone involved and very exciting for potential guests to come into an environment like that.”

Prof Sir Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Manchester Business School and culture change expert, said: “Martin has great enthusiasm and passion for what he does.

“Delamere is far more than just a commercial activity. He has created something different to really change people’s lives.

“Facilities like this are much needed. If you look at the figures from the HSE, 57% of all sickness absence last year was down to stress, anxiety and depression.

“One in four people will suffer a common mental disorder at some stage in their life. They manifest in a lot of different ways and addiction is one of them.”

The new, discreetly located centre is set in six acres of green belt beside Delamere Forest in Cheshire. The building is designed to replicate a modern barn conversion with high ceilings and huge glass panel walls. It will have the feel of a boutique hotel, with an emphasis on home comforts and away from institutionalism.

There will be 24 en-suite rooms and 24-hour medical supervision.

Guests will pay from £3,500 per week. Guests will typically stay for four to six weeks.