I had the pleasure of working with John Cartledge, or Johnny as we called him, back in my bricklaying days in London. This was after he’d kicked his drinking habit. Johnny had a wild sense of humor and a story that stuck with me: at the peak of his alcoholism, he claimed he’d pour cider on his cornflakes before heading to work. True or not, it cracked me up at the time, and I’ve even toyed with the idea of trying it myself one day—just for the laugh!
Johnny grew up in Latchford, same as me, and I knew his younger brother, Bri, too. After getting sober, Johnny’s life took an incredible turn. He moved to Ghana, worked as a missionary, and even set up a bookstore there. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago, but his story left a mark on me. He was a true Latchford lad—full of character and one of a kind.
Thinking about Johnny reminds me of a spontaneous moment with his brother, Bri. One day, while driving to a job in London, we got to talking about Thailand and reminiscing about good times. Out of nowhere, I said, “Forget work, let’s go to Thailand!” Bri was broke, but I told him I’d cover it. We parked the car, marched into Trailfinders, booked flights, hit the pub, and a couple of days later, we were off to Thailand. Those were some happy days! It’s funny how life moves on, and we drift apart over time, but those memories stick.
I recently tracked down Johnny’s biography, From Alcoholism to Africa (paperback, 2012), and I’ve ordered a copy. I can’t wait to dive into it and learn more about his journey from Latchford to Ghana. Johnny’s story is one of redemption, adventure, and heart, and I’m excited to share more about it once I’ve read the book.
Here’s to Johnny—a proper legend!
Book Overview: From Alcoholism to Africa by John Cartledge
In this compelling memoir, John Cartledge shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming a thirty-year struggle with alcohol addiction. With heartfelt sincerity, he reflects on the numerous unsuccessful attempts to break free from the grip of alcoholism during the final eight years of his battle. Ultimately, Cartledge found lasting freedom through his faith in Jesus Christ, whom he describes as 'the great physician.' This book is born from a profound concern for those trapped in addiction, offering hope and insight into a transformative path to recovery.
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