I was a cocaine addict mum and it robbed my kids of their childhood

AFTER years of turmoil and neglect, simple treats like a family meal at home have special significance for Zoey Clarke's children.

- MEL FALLOWFIELD

Until just over seven years ago, the mum was a desperate cocaine addict - using the drug virtually every day.

The owner of a hairdressing salon, she had an outward appearance of respectability. But behind closed doors the family's life was chaos.

Zoey, 43, and her kids, Storm, 15, and Sonny, 18, have slowly rebuilt their lives and their relationship. But it was hard, as are thoughts of the past. Asked about her early childhood, Storm says: "I can't remember anything because we never did anything.

"We never went out, not even to the park.

"Mum never read us bedtime stories.

"We were always late for school, which was embarrassing, and I had very few friends. On the rare occasion I went to someone's house, I saw them eating together and playing games, and I longed for that.

"The other day I was walking down the street, and I saw a mum and her little girl hand in hand, and my heart ached. I never had that.

"If I have children I'll make sure they feel very sad for the girl I was, who was delivered into a life of addiction." Single mum Zoey says: "I loved my kids but I neglected them.

"They were only fed junk food. Storm's teeth were so decayed by the time she was three that she needed every single tooth removed. I lied and swore she had a healthy diet.

"I was a master at lies and manipulation - every addict is. I lied constantly to everyone, even my mum when she tackled me about my addiction.

"I didn't have time for my children, all I could think about was drugs. I only took them when they'd gone to bed, so I kidded myself it was OK.

"I'd stay up all night, taking cocaine, so I couldn't operate during the day. I'd take the kids to school, still high. I'd have forgotten their packed lunch and turn up with a bacon sandwich later.