What would you say has been the hardest part of being a mother?
‘Being able to see my son as somebody separate with his own sort of thinking and ideas because he is very different to me.’

How have you encouraged him to be different?
‘Hopefully through example!’

What’s one of the saddest moments in your life?
‘That would be when my father died. I was 11 years old and he had cancer for basically all of my life. I guess I’m still kind of coping with it a bit.’

Are there any words he shared with you that really stick in your mind as advice that you’ve taken on for life?
‘Once when I asked about what the meaning of life was, he said, “People have wasted their lives trying to answer that’. That’s a decent philosophy I think.’

So what would be your main philosophy in life?
‘I try to be happy regardless of what people say or do. Happiness is a choice. If you accept yourself then you will find happiness.’

What’s one memory in your life you hope you never forget?
‘Leaving my abusive relationship.’

How have you felt since?
‘I’m free and a survivor!’

What was the hardest part about leaving?
‘Fear of being violated by him and fear for my life. I’m safe now.’

What advice would you give to other people that are in the same position?
‘Leave. Don’t take it. Be strong.’