01 May 2026
James Nichol doesn't shy away from the hard parts of his story.
As a community engagement coordinator and recovery worker at WithYou in the Scottish Borders, he spends his days alongside people navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
He knows what that feels like.
James was 12 when he first began using speed and ecstasy, around the time his parents separated. By 18, he'd moved to Spain, working in sales and security.
His use of cocaine and alcohol grew more frequent over time. He has always been open about living with ADHD, bipolar disorder and generalised anxiety disorder, and during those years, his drug and alcohol use was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
When he returned to Scotland, he knew something had to change. In 2014, he was experiencing homelessness when he first walked through the door at WithYou as a client.
After accessing support at WithYou, things started to shift.
Twelve years on, James is the one leading others through their recovery journey.
And on 17 May 2026, he's taking on something that would once have felt unthinkable. He's jumping out of a plane to raise money and awareness for the support WithYou provides.
For James, the skydive is about more than just fundraising. It's a metaphor he keeps coming back to.
For me, recovery started with fear. Jumping into the unknown, the guilt and shame of both my cocaine addiction and my ADHD. I needed to change, but I didn't know how.
“With the right support and equipment, I was able to survive and then to thrive. It makes sense for me to take on the biggest physical high in the world, a skydive."
James thinks about every part of the jump — the pilot, the parachute, the clips holding everything together — and sees his recovery journey reflected back at him.
"Every single part matters, much like in recovery," he says. "From our admin teams to our recovery workers, everyone has to work together.
I'm putting my trust in the world to do this skydive, just like people put their trust in us the first time they walk through our door.
For James, raising awareness and reducing stigma around seeking support is every bit as important as the money raised.
"Recovery isn't something people should have to figure out on their own," he says. "With the right people in your corner, things can start to shift."
To anyone who might be struggling with drugs or alcohol, he has some simple advice.
"Reach out, talk to someone and believe in yourself. It's the best investment you will ever make. Your mind is like a parachute. It works best when it's open."
James will take the leap on 17 May, and is aiming to raise £1,000 for WithYou. You can read more about his story and support him at his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-nichol-1
If you or someone you know needs support with drugs or alcohol, WithYou are here to help. Find your nearest hub at https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/find-support/search-for-local-support