In this powerful and deeply moving episode of COA Lives, host Jonathan Ashworth sits down with Lucy Norfolk and her 13-year-old daughter Amelie Peek—two extraordinary voices bravely speaking out about the realities facing children of alcoholics. Together, they share the story of Daniel, Amelie’s father and Lucy’s long-term partner, whose lifelong struggle with alcoholism ended tragically in 2022. Lucy offers an unflinching account of navigating a system that repeatedly failed her family—from the lack of mental-health and rehabilitation support to the stigma and judgment that too often surrounds addiction. She describes Daniel’s rapid physical decline, the emotional toll of caring for him largely alone, and the extraordinary act of generosity he made at the end of his life: becoming an organ donor and saving others. Amelie, wise beyond her years, talks about recognising her dad’s drinking, writing a courageous letter to the Prime Minister, and taking her campaign all the way to Downing Street. She shares her hopes for change—better support for children, restrictions on alcohol advertising, and a world where talking about addiction doesn’t come with shame. Through honesty, humour, grief and hope, this conversation shines a light on the unseen struggles so many families face. It is a testament to resilience, to speaking up, and to the belief that by sharing our stories, we can make lasting change.

Welcome to the first episode of “COA Lives”, a new podcast hosted by Jonathan Ashworth, former Labour MP and long-time advocate for children of alcoholics. In this moving conversation, Jonathan speaks with Sarah Drage — a Nacoa ambassador, podcaster, and mental-health advocate whose life changed forever after losing her father, Steve, to alcohol addiction. Sarah opens up about the emotional complexity of loving someone with addiction, the years of gaslighting and denial, the heartbreaking moment she had to decide to switch off her father’s life-support machine, and how that trauma led her into national advocacy work. Together, Jonathan and Sarah explore: What it means to grow up as a Child of an Alcoholic (COA) The guilt, anger, love, and confusion that shape COA families Why stigma kills — and how silence harms families The price of public advocacy, both healing and painful How childhood trauma shapes identity, adulthood, and parenting What breaking generational cycles really looks like This episode is tender, honest, and full of hope for anyone affected by a loved one’s drinking.You are not alone.

Former MP Jonathan Ashworth sits down with Calum Best — TV personality, entrepreneur, and son of football legend George Best — for an open and emotional conversation about family, addiction, and hope. Calum shares powerful stories of growing up with his famous father, how he learned to channel pain into purpose, and why he’s dedicated to supporting the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa UK). Together, they explore fatherhood, resilience, and how to break the cycle for future generations. Support Nacoa UK: https://nacoa.org.uk Nacoa provides vital help and resources for children affected by parental drinking. Please visit and donate if you can. Topics in this episode: George Best’s football legacy and personal struggles Calum’s journey through fame, loss, and recovery The emotional impact of growing up with an alcoholic parent Finding purpose through charity, running, and helping others The importance of breaking stigma around addiction and mental health Follow Jonathan Ashworth for more conversations that shine a light on untold stories and real lives. YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Jonathan Ashworth on why this podcast matters 00:29 – Welcoming Calum Best: TV personality and Nacoa patron 02:12 – George Best’s legacy and early life at Manchester United 04:53 – Growing up as George Best’s son 06:35 – Finding meaning and gratitude through hardship 07:23 – “I wouldn’t change a thing” – lessons from childhood 09:17 – Family connections, Manchester memories, and shared history 10:16 – The love behind the chaos: remembering their fathers 11:08 – Why telling these stories matters for children of alcoholics 13:24 – Life in California and visiting his father in London 15:08 – Lessons learned from fame, family, and the press 16:31 – The pool hall fight: a wild memory from youth 20:01 – How trauma shaped Calum’s mindset and resilience 25:14 – Reflections on addiction as illness vs. choice 29:12 – The genetic side of addiction and breaking the cycle 30:30 – Masculinity, stigma, and men’s mental health 32:18 – Running for Nacoa: the Chasing Yesterday challenge 35:26 – The tribute football matches and Calum’s love of the game 37:13 – Carrying George Best’s legacy with pride 39:57 – Using pain for purpose: the power of Nacoa 41:34 – George Best as an icon and the “fifth Beatle” 43:41 – Reflections on family, love, and his mother’s strength 44:59 – Calum’s message of gratitude and hope

I’m Jonathan Ashworth,  As a politician, in parliament I championed the cause of COAs, the children of alcoholics. It opened up a word of voices to me I’d never heard before.  Now it’s my mission to share real stories from people from all walks of life affected by parental addiction.  I know how healing it can be to find a common thread of fellow feeling. I know how painful it be to feel alone.  And through these conversations I want to shine a light on experiences too often kept in the shadows.  Come with me on this journey to explore the challenges, the hope, and the healing. This is, ‘In their Words: COA Lives.’