A turning point in Michael's life was when he became a vulture.
Michael, 64, was a binge-drinker who admits that he had headed toward alcoholism without even realising at first.
Now, 13 years sober, not only has his drinking stopped but he has lost weight, is fitter than ever before in his life and has learned that he has talents he certainly never knew he had.
Becoming a vulture was something of a metamorphosis - but not a literal one.
He joined the group first set up in the Settlement in Maryport called the 'Culture Vultures' but are probably now one of Whitehaven's best kept secrets.
"I joined them in Maryport when they ran a gardening project to support people in recovery from mental ill-health, drug or alcohol addiction, emotional trauma and social isolation," he said.
The group adopted the name Culture Vultures because it also started a reading group.
"I never thought I could join in a reading group where we would read a passage out loud and then discuss the book."
That is not the only thing Michael discovered he could do. He is now an accomplished artist who is selling his drawings.
He joined a church and offered to clean it. Now he has a cleaning job working around Workington and Whitehaven.
"I even clean at Wetherspoons. There is a huge long bar and I honestly could not tell you the name of a single drink they sell. That is how far I have come."
Michael keeps himself busy. He still attends AA meetings when he can as well as staying involved with the Vultures Club, which dropped the culture part of its name when it moved to Whitehaven.
He is our person of the week because it is self motivation that got him where he is today. But he is the first to admit that getting there may have been a lot harder and maybe impossible had it not been for organisations such as the Vulture Club.
Vulture Club has changed lives. If you feel you are isolated and on your own, you don’t need to be.
For more information please ring 01946 599 553, or visit www.vultureclub.co.uk or email vultureclub2012@gmail.com
READ MORE: Girls' football teams in Cumberland offered period packs
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here