Even on stressful days when I’m rushing around the house after my five kids, I’m so thankful for the life I have now. Sunny beach holidays, dinners in fancy restaurants, designer clothes and expensive cars are part of our every day, but they were things I could only have dreamt about when I was growing up. Back then, just having a warm meal was something of a luxury.
In 1986, when I was four, my dad died while serving as a Naval officer. Between dealing with her grief and the pressures of being a single parent, my mum struggled with her mental health. She remarried two years later, but the relationship was unhappy. By the time I was eight, my little brother and sister had been born, and our family home was a hectic mix of shouting adults and screaming babies.
I took on the majority of responsibility for my siblings while my mum was at work. She would rant to me about all her problems, once even telling me not to expect her at the school gates as she was planning to end her life. I was terrified and so relieved that she didn’t go through with it, but over the years she made multiple suicide attempts. As a child it was difficult to really process what was going on, but I found myself forced to grow up quickly.
Dodging bailiffs
We never had much money, and meals mainly consisted of whatever I could throw together from the food left in the cupboard. When I turned 15 in 1997, while other girls at school were busy obsessing over the boy they fancied or the next episode of Byker Grove, I was worrying about bailiffs and trying to keep my siblings quiet as we cowered behind the sofa when they knocked on the door.
Denne historien er fra June 05, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN - 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 June 05, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN - 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
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year
Fix a festive FALL-OUT
Had too much of a good thing? Our expert tips will help you feel better quickly
Reunited for CHRISTMAS
After his rocky TV comeback, ts Philrelying on wife Steph this holiday season?
'I don't want a THREE DAY HANGOVER'
Lorraine Kelly on how she’ll be spending her first Christmas as a grandma
Mistletoe AND WINE
All Rose wanted was a little extra sparkle at Christmas
Would you spend more ON THE DOG THAN ON YOUR HUSBAND?
Brits are happy to fork out more on their pets’ gifts than on their other half’s, according to a study. We investigate….
A new ACT OF BETRAYAL
King Charles misses Harry 'desperately' but has the trust gone, writes Emily Andrews
PRINCE ANDREW AND FERGIE ARE EXPECTED FOR CHRISTMAS!
After a tough year for William and Kate, the Waleses are looking forward to Christmas and catching up with the Royal Family – including, it seems, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.