I was skipping through my life with wine as the wallpaper

But now Nicky’s sobered up and helping others beat booze

- BY YASMIN AL-NAJAR

A BUSINESSWOMAN, who has transformed her life after battling an alcohol addiction, has created a dating and friendship app for people who want a meaningful connection without booze and a support group for those struggling with alcohol.

Nicky Wake, 53, ran a successful Rawtenstall events company Don't Panic Events and looked like she lived a life of luxury while travelling in style and sipping champagne in business class.

But behind the polished surface, Nicky was drinking from morning to night, hiding bottles and falling apart.

One morning she checked herself into a rehab facility and started a full medical detox.

Now, nine months sober, Nicky has launched SoberLove, a dating and friendship app for people who are sober or sober-curious.

Nicky says she wanted to create a space for people who want real connection without the booze.

She has also created SoberAF, an online community and support group for anyone who doesn’t connect with traditional recovery paths.

Nicky says although AA saves lives, it's not for everyone.

She said: “There is shame and stigma around female addiction, particularly for women similar to me who society says ‘isn't what an alcoholic looks like’

“I was drinking all day, every day.

“Sometimes I'd start before breakfast.

“By night, I was regularly downing three bottles of wine without blinking, sometimes more.

“But I still ran a business.

“I still got my son to school.

“I told myself that meant I was in control, but I was completely lost.”