'In 1999, everything changed for me. I got divorced and found myself a single mother to my children Carli, then six, and Ben, four. My ex hadn’t really ever worked, so there was no child support coming in. Not long after, I lost my father, who used to help me out, and my mum had died when I was young so I was on my own.
In 2002, after a brief relationship, I had my daughter Jodie, but her dad left when he realised I was pregnant. Struggling to survive with three little ones, it wasn’t long before I took out a payday loan. Back then, it wasn’t like it is today where it’s all online. You’d have people knocking on your door offering you £200 or £300.
I couldn’t say no. They needed school uniforms and nutritious food and I couldn’t bear it if they didn’t have gifts to open on birthdays and Christmas. I was trying to be both Mum and Dad and I didn’t want them to go without because they were from a single parent family.
DEEPER INTO DEBT
But, of course, the loans were a trap. You start off borrowing a small amount like £200 and, before you know it, you owe double, then triple. It just never seemed to end.
When the bills for gas, electricity and water started piling up, I did the only thing I could think of – I threw them away. I knew I couldn’t pay them and it was easier to ignore them than to face the reality of my situation.
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'I want to be a dad more than anything
TOWIE star Jordan Brook shares his dreams of fatherhood
'CHANGE IS TRADITION'
As the school gates reopen, Waterloo Road star Rachel Leskovac tells us what's in store as Jason Manford joins the cast
MINIMUM EFFORT, MAXIMUM TASTE
Easy vegetarian recipes from bestselling author Rukmini yer
THE PITFALES OF AT-HOME REMEDIES
Some online health advice could be putting our wellbeing at risk
Dad told sons they were 'the best boys ever' then executed them
Chad Doerman reached for his gun and his family ran for their lives
'Men rejected me when they found out I have HIV'
Student Ellie Harrison was just 21 when she discovered that she was HIV positive. Here, she talks about the impact of her diagnosis and fighting to raise awareness
'I'm showing the world who I am'
Model Ellie Goldstein on following her dreams and championing diversity
I'm up for most opportunities -you only live once'
Reality TV star and mum-of-three Billie Shepherd juggling work and family, and why she's in bed by 9pm
Danniella's comeback surgery
Former EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook is preparing to return to acting, but, a source tells new, not before she has cosmetic surgery to look and feel her best
I'd be the biggest traitor of all!
Reality favourite Gemma Collins tells us about her body positivity, TV hopes and why you should look after your finances