Jackie Malton: A Tale of Courage, Corruption, and Redemption
When I went into recovery, I realized that I was a feeler anyway. I was over connected to mine and I found that fascinating in the rooms where there were two- almost I'm being generalisation here, but it seemed like there were two distinct groups of people who were felt and didn't feel so that process of leaving the police force.
Imagine being a trailblazer in a world that doesn't quite accept you. That's Jackie Malton's story. In this episode of 'More Than My Past', Jason Flemyng sits down with Jackie, the real-life inspiration behind Helen Mirren's character in 'Prime Suspect'. Jackie joined the police force in 1970, a time when being a gay woman in such a male-dominated field was almost unheard of. Despite the odds, she climbed the ranks, even joining the elite 'Flying Squad' of the Metropolitan Police.
But her journey wasn't without its dark moments. The culture of the force led her down a path of alcoholism, a battle she fought and won by 1992. Today, Jackie channels her experiences into helping others. She works as a story consultant for crime dramas and as a clinician at HMP Coldingley, supporting addicted prisoners.
In this candid conversation, Jackie opens up about her struggles with identity, the importance of self-reflection, and how expressing emotions can be a powerful tool in recovery. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own battles with addiction or discrimination. Tune in to hear how she turned her trials into triumphs and continues to inspire others on their journey to recovery.