ALEX AND MIKE'S TREASURED MOMEMTS 'I KNEW I HAD TO BE THERE FOR HIM'

The father and daughter duo always  have each other's backs 

-  Leena Tailor

Alex King was only a young child when her famous father Mike King was battling addiction, depression and a life-changing stroke. She didn't fully understand his turmoil, nor realise that she too would go on to experience mental health struggles, but she wanted to do anything she could to help her "best mate"

"I've been there for him through lots of tragedies, like when he had his stroke," Alex reflects. "I was around eight when everything was really bad for Dad, so I didn't understand what was going on, but I knew I had to be there for him. He was open and honest with us, and gave us ways to help him. My way was to make him a cup of tea - I still do, to this day."

These days, Alex, 24, is doing more than making cups of teas to help and honour comedian-turned-mental health advocate Mike and other Kiwis facing mental issues. She's putting her own struggles aside to appear on Celebrity Treasure Island, in a bid to win $100,000 for a youth initiative that's part of Mike's mental health organisation I Am Hope.

It's a brave move considering the anxiety struggles that the musician, actress and former Mai FM radio host grapples with when it comes to being in the spotlight.