Music legend backs cyclist on his sober journey

Paul Weller met Phil James in Italy before a cycling challenge up Mount Vesuvius

A recovering alcoholic marked two years sober by cycling up an Italian volcano and was overjoyed to meet his music hero in the process.

Stoke-on-Trent cyclist Phil James bumped into The Jam's Paul Weller on the streets of Sorrento and they shared their sober journeys, with Weller's spanning two decades.

The father-of-two described the Modfather as "massively supportive" when he explained he was in the country to pedal up Mount Vesuvius as part of his recovery.

"It blew my mind, if I'm honest with you," reflected Mr James. "We were just talking together about how good it is to have sobriety.

"It's strange to bump into one of your idols and have that kind of normal conversation about something you've got in common."

Mr James added Mount Vesuvius to his list of epic cycling journeys, which includes Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Teide in Spain

Mr James, from Tunstall, has found cycling an effective way to avoid drinking since going cold turkey in 2023.

Before that, he would spend entire days consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes in a darkened room, whilst on a waiting list for NHS support with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He was diagnosed with the condition after becoming homeless at 16, and took up the guitar at 19 as a coping mechanism after his first nervous breakdown.

"It's like the stars had aligned or something," he said, referring to the chance meeting with The Jam's lead singer.

"One of the first songs I learnt to play was Country by Paul Weller. So I was standing there telling Paul Weller - he looked a bit bemused!"

Paul Weller has had solo hits with You Do Something To Me and Wild Wood

Mr James told Weller his Vesuvius trek was the latest in a long list of extreme cycling challenges he had set to give himself focus away from drinking.

The singer shook his hand in recognition of his achievements and wished him luck on his next adventure, he said.

Mr James explained he shared his own story often to inspire others facing similar challenges.

"But when someone like that encourages you - and he knows what he's talking about, he's 15 years sober."

Mr James's subsequent bike ride was a success, and raised awareness of the support network M.A.T.E. (Men And Their Emotions), which helped him during his depression.

Next, he hopes to conquer Mount Etna in 2026 and complete 35 journeys up his favourite mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), before the year is out.

"You've got to be well to achieve your goal," he said. "So it helps maintain your mental health and your sobriety."