Growing up my parents were very strict. I had a lot of personal issues at home which led me to grow up being aggressive and violent, but also alone.
I was taken into care at the age of 13 years.
At the age of 15, I committed a serious offence and I was sentenced to custody.
I was locked up for 15 months. After I got out, I was sent back to prison just 4 months later for breaching my licence. I served another 8 months – partly with other young people and then in a women’s prison.
During this awful ordeal my best friend had a horrific death involving the police and sadly she passed away at the age of 18 whilst I was in prison.
I grieved my best friend so greatly and wanted a better life for both myself and for her.
I decided to walk away from the people that were around when I got into trouble and concentrated on building a better life for myself.
I now have my beautiful home which I am so appreciative of, and I work as a property manager.
It was tough growing up. I will never be able to get the time I lost back. But there is always room for a better life for yourself!
