Paul Hannaford, who grew up in the town but now lives in Brentwood, has been recognised in the New Year Honours List for his work as an anti-drugs campaigner.
The 55-year-old said receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Romford community was “unexpected”, but he was “really grateful” that he “finally got recognised for making a difference”.
Paul has educated more than a million children on the dangers of addiction, gang crime and carrying knives since he first started giving talks in 2009, following a successful stint in rehab.
He told the Recorder: “Romford was where it all started.
“I started about 14 years ago in Romford, doing talks at local schools when I got out of rehab.
“After about four years I started getting interest from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and all over the country, and it blew up from there.
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“All the schools that I got chucked out of because of my behaviour around drugs, I’m educating in those schools now, funnily enough, and educating those students.”
The campaigner’s recognition in the New Year’s Honours List comes as he marks 18 years clean and sober.
As a teenager and young adult, Paul said he got mixed up in gangs and frequently committed crime to fund his drug addiction, which escalated from cannabis to LSD – and eventually heroin.
He became a gang leader, was admitted into intensive care after a near fatal stabbing, and almost lost his legs due to an infection before he went into rehab.
Paul has now written a book about his experiences and continues to educate others about addiction at schools, prisons and football clubs.
He said: “I’m really grateful that I’m clean and sober today, and I’m grateful for all the headteachers who have invited me in [to speak at their schools].
“I’ve got a life today.”
Paul is hoping with his talks and campaigning on social media he can reach 80,000 more young people in 2025 – with a goal of eventually educating two million children in total.
Other Brentwood residents recognised in the New Year’s Honours List include Jason and Gail O’Shea, co-founders of charity Wipe Away Those Tears, and Michael Keogh, director of the Springfield Youth Club.
Councillor Barry Aspinell, leader of Brentwood Council, said: “I am delighted to see so many people from our borough recognised for their inspirational support to our community and others.
“I hope their honours also raise awareness of their charities, which means they will be able to help even more people.”
To find out more about Paul’s work, visit his website www.paulhannaford.com.
