We owe everything TO OUR MUMS

Two women pay tribute to their loving and dedicated mothers

- GILLIAN HARVEY

‘She stepped in when my family fell apart’

Debbie Starr, 59, a professional veil painter, lives in Lincolnshire with her husband Dave, 47, and son Nathan, 23.

As I watch my beautiful daughter Alethea, 26, walk down the aisle, I reach for my mum Elizabeth’s hand and give it a squeeze. Without her, things might have turned out very differently.

Mum, now 85, gave me and my brother Nigel, now 56, a wonderful childhood. Despite working as a practice manager for a busy GP surgery in Crich, Derbyshire, she made so much time for us. She taught me to sew as a child, made me clothes, whipped up fabulous cakes for our birthdays, and was on hand with support whenever I needed it.

But when my family fell apart, she became my rock: a firm, unwavering presence in my life and my children’s lives. I married my first husband in 1991. Sadly, he struggled with alcohol problems and, despite a stint in rehab, was unable to kick the habit. Eventually, our relationship foundered; after 19 years, I knew I had to make a fresh start.

In 2006, I found myself newly single, raising my 12-year-old daughter Alethea and nine-year-old son Nathan alone, while working as a nurse. Money was tight, childcare was unaffordable, and I was at an emotional low point. ‘I’m not sure what to do!,’ I told mum on the phone. ‘Leave it to me,’ she said.