Drug addict who was given one year to live turns her life around

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Her heart to started to fail and doctors would not operate until she was free from drugs. Credit: BPM Media

A drug addict and a prolific thief has turned her life around after being given just 12 months to live.

Caroline Best's drug addictions had caused her heart to start failing and doctors would not operate until she was free from drugs.

But PC Stuart Toogood from Erdington neighbourhood police team decided to help the 36-year-old.

Last August she attended a rehab facility and is now 12 months clean.

Now Caroline is repaying the help she received - by helping other drug addicts turn away from crime.

Caroline Best turned her life around. Credit: BPM Media

Having spent the last 15 years in and out of prison, Caroline is now crime-free and supporting PC Toogood to work with other offenders to get them out of a life of crime.

Thanks to a healthy lifestyle, the faulty valve in her heart repaired itself and she no longer needs surgery.

PC Stuart Toogood from Birmingham Neighbourhood team added: