"I first met Charles with his mother in 1994.

Charles was an extremely anxious guy whose mother did most of his talking for him. At the time he was taking, and dependent on, various prescription medications including DIAZEPAM and STELAZINE. He was aware of his dependence, but unable to do anything about it because of his acute anxiety, which made him agoraphobic and experience multiple full blown panic attacks every day. Over several months and numerous consultations (as a trainee, I had more time available than the partners!) we managed to reduce Charles' medication. Charles' main objective at this point was to be medication-free even if the anxiety remained. "I have never felt so sad, a grown, intelligent man absolutely helpless, so dependent, looking so unwell." The Charles I knew in the early years could not leave the house, he could not have held down a regular job because he couldn't guarantee that he would be able to attend. I was called to his Mother's house on one occasion whilst he was having a panic attack, I have never felt so sad, a grown, intelligent man absolutely helpless, so dependent, looking so unwell. It's now 10 years later, and the man I see before me is a different person completely and it's only when looking back at how he used to be that I realize how far he has come. "Charles has worked extremely hard and has succeeded to pull himself back from what seemed like a hopeless situation and now he shows others how to do the same." Charles is now a family man, a wonderful husband and fabulous father to a happy, well-adjusted 2 year old. You couldn't wish to meet a more rounded guy. What I find incredible, is how much more positive he is now from the shadow of a man that I first met. Back then, he wasn't able to help himself but now, he helps thousands of people from around the world become anxiety free again. I would like to think that I have been instrumental in his recovery but I have merely been supportive. Charles has worked extremely hard and has succeeded to pull himself back from what seemed like a hopeless situation and now he shows others how to do the same. Life for Charles has changed so dramatically, something which I am sure he would not have believed possible ten years ago."

Dr Claire Bolton MBChB

In 2016, Claire lost her long battle with cancer. We miss and love you Claire. Charles x