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Mum's bid to help other parents
A woman whose son killed himself in despair over his heroin addiction is to speak of her experience to Wigan parents.
Elizabeth Burton-Phillips was astounded to learn that her 16 year-old twin sons, Simon and Nick, had become embroiled in a life of drugs and crime.
It was the beginning of an 11-year nightmare for the 56-year-old former headmistress of a girls' boarding prep school, which culminated in the death of one of her sons, Nick, in 2004. He was just 27.
Mrs Burton-Phillips, of Reading, has now written a book about those harrowing years, entitled Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? and is travelling to the Bellingham Hotel, Wigan Lane, on March 7, in a bid to support families affected by drugs.
She said: "I kept the secret of my sons' heroin addiction hidden for many years from friends and colleagues. But after my son's tragic death, I resolved to tell my story in the hope and belief that others will benefit from it."
Following Nick's death, Mrs Burton-Phillips left her 35-year teaching career to retrain as a drugs counsellor.
She is now a family spokesman for FRANK, the national drugs helpline, and is an active speaker at schools and churches. She is also chairman of Crack it!, a self-help group for addicts' families.
She and Nick's surviving twin, Simon, who is now drug free, have also set up the Nick Mills Foundation to raise money and provide support to families affected by drugs.
She said: "Our aim is to ensure no family is left living in isolation, fear and ignorance of any local and national support.
"We intend to work wherever possible in collaboration with any statutory and non-statutory services to ensure that families are understood and supported."
The Wigan and Leigh Family Support Group, which has organised the event, say all will be welcome. A spokesman for the group said: "We have been overwhelmed with demand for tickets. There are people coming from all over the country to hear this talk, some groups are so desperate for information.
"Services such as alcohol awareness, street based services and support groups from far and wide will be there. I would urge parents who need support to come along."
The event, supported by the Wigan and Leigh Community Safety Partnership, will take place on Friday, March 7, at the Bellingham Hotel, Wigan Lane, from 7pm to 11pm. To buy tickets priced at 2.50 call 07511 849312.
Those concerned about someone using illegal drugs can call Wigan and Leigh Family Support Group on Free Phone 0800 4581092.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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