Cricket star hits booze and drugs for six

RAISED in Port Elizabeth’s Gelvandale, Reeze Telling was on track to a cricketing career that was to be the envy of his peers – until he threw it all away by abusing drugs and alcohol.

Having quickly risen through the ranks in provincial cricket and even been selected to play for the Nashua Titans, he succumbed to addiction before he could fully take up the honour.

But Telling, 28, has now dedicated his life to helping others avoid the same mistake.

"Those who fall the hardest bounce back the highest with God on their side,” said the former cricket star, who has quit his Uitenhage job at a car seat manufacturer to focus on helping the community to shake the habit of substance abuse.

Telling is a part-time counsellor who relies on donations from good Samaritans.