Since the last edition of Edges Magazine we regret to announce the death of Lee Hartley. He featured in our last edition as he spoke about the difficulties he endured with his heroin addiction.

Lee came to our project homeless and fighting an addiction to heroin. During the time he spent with us he came to discover a stability and began to plan his future. We kept him clean of drugs and organised a rehabilitation program for him in Bristol. Off he went. But things didn't work out. For a brief moment he started to use heroin and was asked to leave. He came back to our project, vulnerable and feeling a failure. We picked him up and reminded him that he had value. We showed him how to smile again, and not to give up hope.

For several more weeks we provided him with accommodation, again we were preparing him for his second entry into a rehabilitation program. However, things were getting too much for Lee, a court case was pending, he was afraid. It was like he was on the run from people whom he felt could harm him. He expected to go to prison. He was also afraid of the underworld of drugs, of the gang leaders who were hunting him down. Gradually, the panic, the fear, and the uncertainty gripped his life. He felt he could go on no further, and sadly on the 26th June he ended his life.

We got him admitted into hospital thinking he would be safe, but it was there that the tragedy took place. Father Jim spent the early hours of the Saturday morning in the Hospital corridor with Lee. One of the last things he said was "I want to fall asleep, I can't go on". That desire became a reality later on that day.

Lee was an outstanding man. He was warm and compassionate. He was trustworthy and friendly. His death deeply affected us all. On the day we received the news, there were many tears from various members of staff. His funeral was well attended. Each person was invited to light a candle in his memory. After several minutes, there was a mass of light symbolizing the warmth of Lee's life, which touched the hearts of others.

May he rest in peace