A MOTHER who lost her son to drug addiction is hoping his poignant and emotional poem can inspire people to make positive changes and seek the help they need.

Tina Drake from Dorchester has released the poem written by her son Simon Hooper wrote, which gives an insight into his battle with drugs.

The poem was written by Simon at 5.30am on June 17 2006, whilst he was in prison.

Sadly, Simon passed away on March 21 of this year, a day before his 38th birthday. He died of cardiac arrest due to the damage his body had sustained from years of drug abuse.

Tina said: "After the initial shock the first thing I thought of was his poem, and I knew I had to find it because it was so relevant.

"He wasn't a golden boy and we're not saying that. He was troubled. But he was still my son and I loved him. He was very young when he got into drugs, about 13 or 14. He just took the wrong path. He had sought help two days before he died.

"Drugs can make good people bad. It's an addiction. Everyone has a story and we don't want people to judge.

"If his poem can make a difference to just one person and encourage them to take a different path then it's worth it. I just don't want any other mum to go through what I have. No mother should have to lose their child."

Tina and her sister Julia Gear hope that the poem will get people talking about the issues surrounding substance misuse and in turn inspire people to get help to make positive changes.

Julia said: "His poem is keeping something of him alive. It has in a sense made his life worth it - something good has come out of it."

The poem was read at his funeral and provoked much emotion.

Julia added they are hoping to go into schools and talk to children about the dangers of addiction and encourage them to stay on the right path.

Together they are determined to achieve something positive in memory of Simon.

An Angel do Send

My demons all wake me, now everyday!

And I plead with the devil to chase them away.

He pretends to be helpful, makes out he’s my friend.

Although, he’s the one that brings my dreams to an end.

I wait for an angel to fight my demons instead.

A guardian to put all my nightmares to bed.

Life’s not all easy, it’s a challenge to breathe,

The devil he knows this, and he tempts me to leave.

He pushes his poison right into my heart.

Ripping and tearing my body apart!!

And now that the poison has entered my brain,

His way of keeping my soul locked in chains –

Because now without him, I’m riddled with pains;

Watching my life as its sucked down the drains!

I live by the minute, I’m working for him;

A slave to the powder – I take for my sins.

A powder named “H”, “the gear” or “the smack”,

When I can escape it, I’ll never look back!

I’ll run for my life, and hide for my soul.

Live how I want to, and reach for my goals.

I know I can do it, I’ve done it before;

When I felt so much better, not rich – but not poor!

My days we’re simple, I loved who I was too,

And if I love me, I can also love you!!

So God if you hear me, don’t take too long;

The devil is winning, he’s goading me on –

Send me an angel, who’s fearless and strong

To help me do Good, and forgive me my wrong!!

© Simon Hooper, 5.30am, 17th June 2006