Seventh Magpie - A true story of revelation, healing and justice

The other end of the phone clicked.

"Hello, Chester police."

"I'd like to report a crime..."

Adam was sexually abused as a child by his table tennis coach. Too ashamed to tell anyone, he buried his secret, which festered and grew. Decades later, after one sex abuse scandal too many in the press, his past threatened to overwhelm him. No longer able to cope and not knowing what to do, he rang the police...and spectacularly fell apart.

Adam became a border-line alcoholic, scared of what people would think when they found out. A counsellor told him he had PTSD and they unlocked complete memories he'd suppressed - this was the start of the healing process. With help, Adam understood why he'd fallen apart, and learnt to accept this was part of his past and not be defined by it.

As the police investigation progressed, Adam became increasingly keen his story be heard, he wasn't hiding anymore. Hopefully other victims would see that justice was being done. But, for this to happen he'd have to face his abuser in court.

Adam Rainford is now a Lived Experience Advocate for the NSPCC.

"Adam writes from the heart, honest with himself and the reader, allowing us to see inside his fears and hopes. Like a trusted friend, Adam offers a brave and compelling roadmap for facing down sexual abuse and coming out the other side."

- Fay Maxted OBE, CEO The Survivors Trust