Mocktails for the horsetails 

Today, the vivacious Griffith local is fit, healthy and happy - after giving up the drink and turning her life around.

With the Melbourne Cup tomorrow, Ms Martin is looking forward to celebrating the iconic race with her new lease on life and a couple of “mocktails for the horsetails” to prove life does go on without alcohol.

In mid-September last year, Ms Martin was given just six hours to live after her abused liver failed.

Her mother rushed her to Griffith Base Hospital, where she fell into a 10-day coma.

The traumatic ordeal gave Ms Martin the wake up she needed.

“I was extremely underweight and malnourished and I was yellow from jaundice,” Ms Martin said.

“I have an 11-year-old son and the thought of leaving a child without a mother at such an early age was heartbreaking.

“To this day, within myself I have 100 per cent confidence I will never touch alcohol again.”

Ms Martin’s body went through withdrawals while she was in a coma and as soon as she came out of it, doctors started her on the drug Baclofen – which is used to treat alcoholism and she says changed her life.

The problem started when Ms Martin was in her 20s.

“It started as social drinking and just took over my life,” she said.

“I have no doubt alcoholism is in my family and it’s like playing with fire – you just have to be careful.”

Now, Ms Martin has a gorgeous new dress and fascinator ready to celebrate Melbourne Cup at the Exies on Tuesday, and she’s keen to share some of her mocktail recipes for others to enjoy.

“Since I recovered I’ve had the most fantastic life, I’m really happy and every day is a pleasure,” she said.

“A lot of people wouldn’t believe I could stick with this but I’m here to prove that life really is good.”

With the spring racing carnival really pushing the alcohol message, Ms Martin wanted to provide an alternative.