THE mum of a man who died from accidentally overdosing hopes that by exhibiting his impressive art collection, it will ensure his legacy lives on.

Michael Freeman died from the accidental heroin overdose at his Toothill flat in June 2015. He was 34.

In the weeks that followed, Michael’s mum Gillian sorted through his belongings, and stumbled across his 62-piece art collection - something which she never knew existed in its entirety.

Now she is exhibiting the work at SWADS (Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drug Service, known in the town as Supporting Wellbeing and Developing Stability) to show others that while her son was a drug addict, the father of two daughters was also a much-loved man.

“I knew he had some artwork at home but it was when I went through his things after he died that I discovered all of this,” said Gillian, 75.

“I knew Michael loved art because every birthday he would ask me if I would like one so it is just so sad that he is not around.

“Although he was a drug addict, he was much more than that and this artwork shows that.”

Since launching in the last 18 months, SWADS hosts a bereavement group for individuals feeling helpless in tough times and Gillian hopes that by exhibiting her son’s work, which spans 15 years, at their Milton Road base, it will show others how the sessions can be a life-saver.

“To begin with, I was blaming myself and kept asking myself what could I have done to save him,” Gillian said.

“When I laid all the pieces out, for me it was joyous but also heart-breaking. There was a lot of mixed emotions so the bereavement group has been my life saver.

“I am extremely proud of him and one thing I would like to do is go to schools and take his artwork and warn kids about the devastating effects of drugs.

“The bereavement sessions have helped me so much and I have sat there and broke my heart about how I feel.

“Anyone who comes here will be amazed by the difference it can make especially at making you realise that you can move forward.”

Julie Mattinson, director of SWADS, said she hopes that through Gillian’s story and the exhibition, more people will get in touch about attending the confidential bereavement group.

She said: “To help Gillian in this positive way and to celebrate Michael’s life is really important and for us, it is humbling to think that we can use our building to exhibit these incredible pieces of art.

“Addiction affects a lot of people and it is quite hard to get people to come along to the sessions because there is this stigma surrounding addiction because for a lot of people that is all they can see.”

The exhibition runs throughout March and the bereavement sessions are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 5pm.