The main purpose of the story is about bullying. I was bullied at school but managed to eventually look after myself. There are millions of children who won’t be as lucky as I was. With modern media, bullying can be ruthless — from school to home.

It really hurts to think that young people, with everything to live for, reach a point where they think life isn’t worth living anymore. The bullies don’t think or realise the agony they cause for parents and the knock-on effect it has on the whole family. There isn’t any doubt in my mind. Some of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren are being bullied.

I wrote the story hoping that children who may be thinking of doing something they regret will read my book and, like I say many times, “be strong, believe in yourself.” When I was young, I was agonisingly shy at times, just wanting the ground to swallow me up, but I got through it all.

Like I say in my book, “believe in yourself — the human spirit can get you through anything life throws at you.” I know, like most people’s, life can be a bit of a rollercoaster with no sign of it ever stopping, but like I say, “there is always light at the end of the tunnel — have faith.”

Always reach out for help!