A grieving sister has written a poignant poem about her brother whose life was destroyed by heroin.

And now 19-year-old Claire Wilson hopes that the death of her brother Matthew will serve as a graphic warning to others to steer clear of the killer drug.

The poem, called The Shadow of the Boy I Once Adored, shows the helplessness felt by those close to someone addicted to heroin.

Matthew, 21, known by friends as Mathie, died of an overdose earlier this month.

His death came only four days after he was released from prison for offences committed trying to fund his drug habit.

Claire said: "In the end all he wanted to do was take more heroin. He couldn't see past his next fix."

Matthew's mum, Lesley Wilson, 48, a secretary for the Salvation Army, said: "We were like a normal family and he was just a typical lad with the typical problems. He had everything going for him but then heroin took his life like so many other kids. It was like there were two Matthews. One was a nice, happy, smiling lad but when the drugs got hold of him he was totally different."

It is believed that Matthew was exposed to drugs while socialising on the Thorpe Edge estate.

Mrs Wilson has pleaded with Matthew's friends and other heroin users to face up to their addictions before it is too late.

She said: "You don't want to put your family through what we have experienced. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Don't let Matthew's death be in vain."

Matthew's family first found out about his addiction after his first overdose two years ago.

Since then, despite attempts by his mother and sister to get him away from the drug scene, he suffered three overdoses and has been in and out of prison for theft and burglary offences.

Matthew was a keen mechanic and had been involved in the Bradford Motor Project where he rebuilt and raced a Ford Escort stock car.

When the project failed to lead to any long term job, boredom lead to drug abuse.

John Sheen, Thorpe Edge community worker, said he was well aware of the problems faced by young people on the estate.

"Matthew's death really was a shock to a lot of people but it is a symptom of a much deeper problem. The job prospects for young people are very poor. That, combined with a sense of frustration. A lot of young people don't even get on the first rung of the ladder. They don't feel like they are part of the community and they are quite marginalised.

"There has to be a lot more investment in young people - such as accessible training schemes and facilities for them to get involved in. If young people get a good job they are a lot less likely to get into drugs."

Mrs Wilson even sent Matthew to live with friends in the south, only for him to steal three cars to return to Bradford several days later.

She said: "I'm sure lots of families can relate with our situation. Sadly there are too many of us."

Claire's Poem

He used to be my brother

But he doesn't care anymore

All he can see is his next score

He doesn't hear me

Just passes me by

I can see the heroin in his eyes

I can see him hurting

He thinks no one can see his pain

I wish that I could touch him

And make him better again.

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