Darrell Tunningley grew up on a sink council estate in Hull, an area abandoned at night by the social services and the police.

It was no surprise that he became a drug dealer - but when he was arrested for armed robbery, his life really began to come apart.

While serving five and half years in prison Darrell attended an Alpha Course in HMP Wolds - and God broke dramatically into his life. Since then Darrell has been active in helping many young people who think they are 'beyond redemption'.

Now part of the senior leadership of Hope Corner Community Church in Runcorn, Darrell is married to Rebekah and has two children Benjamin and Lydia-Grace.

Radio Merseyside recently featured Darrell’s remarkable story - and he recently recounted the amazing turn round in his life at the launch of the latest Alpha course at Aughton Christ Church. It's an invaluable opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.

Liz Williams attended its 34th Alpha course, and writes: "My children had been trying to get me to do an Alpha course but I had no interest in Christianity or any religion.

"However, after talking to them about how beneficial it could be, and after not a bit of time, they convinced me to give it a try. My intention was to give it two or three weeks, so I could say ‘Well, I tried it! ‘

"Coming back from the meeting of the third week I decided I quite liked the meal, and also the discussions. Because the group was so diverse I realised I had got a lot our of these discussion - and in addition, the leaders could always answer any negative comments of mine concerning Christianity.

"So I made the decision to continue - and I did the rest of the course, enjoying it immensely.

"By the end of the course I came to the conclusion there was definitely something there. The Alpha course had slowly reawakened my interest in Christianity (I was a practising Catholic as a child) and how I wanted more information and understanding how to walk with God.

"I must add that there was no bolt of lightning, just a slow awakening of interest.

"The Alpha completed, I decided to join the follow up Beta group. And where the Alpha course had awakened my Christianity (or as I said earlier, re-awakened) the Beta is teaching me from the Bible.

"This is very important because the Bible had never spoken to me before, even after the Alpha course. But, slowly and surely, a whole new meaning is opening up.

"I would now call myself a Christian - but I know I have a long road to walk before I can call myself a true Christian. That is not a problem because I am thoroughly enjoying the course.

John Finnigan writes: "It is strange, isn’t it, how seemingly unconnected events can suddenly collide to cause a significant change of direction?

"Some might call it seren*dipitous . . . others might be inclined to read into it something a little deeper.

"This happened to me past year when I attended a Christ Church Sports Quiz Evening at the behest of a friend at Christ Church. After the event, a friend of mine, who had accompanied me, picked up an Alpha leaflet and suggested that we should give it ‘go‘ for a couple of weeks.

"It was with some trepidation that I attended the first session. Previous experiences, admittedly many, many moons ago, suggested that I was in for an ear bashing. I didn’t really know what to expect ... was I to be told of eternal damnation, ordered to kneel; possibly in a dusty, sterile environment?

"Of course, none of this was the case. After a convivial glass of wine or two, we were presented with a wonderful meal. This was a marvellous way to break the ice and get to know the other participants.

"What impressed me greatly was the friendliness of the gathered throng, and it was reassuring to be amongst other like minded people and ... dare I say it ... singing from the same hymn sheet.

"One of the most interesting features of the evening was a DVD talk by Nicky Gumbell, which managed to simplify into easily digestible bite-sized chunks the complexities of the Christian faith.

"But the most interesting aspect for me was the group discussions we had after the talk when we could, together, analyse what had been said, and perhaps reach some sort of conclusion. Really fascinating stuff, and quite mind opening and enlightening.

"Over the past few months, because of the Alpha course, some aspects of my life, or more accurately my attitudes, have changed significantly.

"I suppose one of the key events, a catalyst if you like, was an introduction to the Holy Spirit, which lasted a whole Saturday. This was a turning point for me. Although baptised into the Christian faith many years ago, I somehow had lost touch with its meaning, and fallen to the wayside. However, I felt a real reconnection after that particular Saturday, as if something had entered my life, making me more aware of the wider issues.

"It is still very early days, and I am still long way off canonisation, or even becoming an archbishop, but if anyone should ask me, ‘Is the Alpha Course worth the effort? ‘ then my only reply would be an unequivocal, unhesitating 'Yes!'

sorry, i'm confused.

are these people now christians, did they think they were christians, or does Alpha just give a religious veneer to one's life

I attended an Alpha course at a local RC church - ironic i know after finding out the errors of the RC system

Sorry you're confused why not contact Geoff Fallows (424 518) who is one of the guys who runs the Alpha Course he may be able to help you.