I read the story of a single mum here who said she didn’t know what to do and couldn’t see a way out. It made me want to share my own story—not to judge anyone, but because when I…

The other day, I was reading this story online from a single mum who said she felt completely lost, couldnt see any way forward. And, honestly, it made me want to share my own storynot because I want to judge anyone, but because, when youve got children relying on you, you just cant sit around waiting for money to fall from the sky. No one handed me anything in life. Everything, I fought hard to earn on my own.
I left home when I was 16mainly out of stubbornness and a bit of teenage foolishness, thinking I was all grown up and that moving in with my boyfriend would sort out my life. We ended up in this tiny bedsitthe kitchen practically in the lounge, the bedroom barely separated by a thin wall, and the bathroom actually out in the little yard. It was hardly Buckingham Palace, but it was ours. Two years later, just after my 18th birthday, I found out I was pregnant with our first child. For a while, things were alright. He was driving a minicab, bringing in just enough to keep us going: groceries, rent, holding it together. Nothing extra, but we werent starving, either.
When my son was nearly one, I started to notice money was getting even tighter. He always had some reason: business was slow, too many cabs on the road, car trouble. I believed him. Then, I fell pregnant againwith my daughter. I was about four months along when, out of nowhere, he just walked out. No warningjust turned up, grabbed a few clothes, and went off to live with another woman.
What really stung wasnt just being left. It was how, suddenly, everyone started talkingneighbours, family, people on the street. Theyd apparently seen them together for months, said she waited for him on corners, that hed stay the night at hers. Not one word reached me while I was still with himI only learned the lot after hed gone, with me stuck at home, pregnant and looking after our little boy.
He disappeared altogether. Not a word about the kids. Didnt give a pennynot even for nappies. I just sat on the floor and sobbed all day. The fridge was nearly empty, what milk there was was about to run out, another baby on the way, rent coming up, no clothes, no cot. I cried my heart out. But the next morning, I got up and told myself: I cant just fall apart.
So I started right there in that grotty bedsit. I asked the local shop to let me pay later and got in some basics, began making jellies, puddings in glasses, cupcakeswhatever I could. I snapped photos on my phone and put them up on my Instagram and WhatsApp stories. I never lied. I wrote: Selling homemade desserts to buy nappies and milk. People started buyingsome out of pity, some because they actually liked them. That money went straight on food, rent, the absolute essentials.
Not long after, I branched outstarted making lunches to order: rice, lentils, chicken stew, mince. A chap from up the road did deliveries for me on his scooter. Id get up at five every morning and get cooking, big belly and little boy wrapped round my ankles. Some days, I was so tired Id slump in the chair and cry quietly so my son wouldnt see. But every morning, I was back at the cooker again.
I saved every last pound and penny. When I was nearly due, my mum rang and said I should come and stayno point being on my own. My daughter was born there, at my parents place. Ever since, my mum and dad have been my rock. They dont support me financially, but they keep me goinghelp with the kids when Im busy with orders.
Today, my sons six and my daughters growing fast. Mum and I started a little cake venturenothing fancy, but weve rented a tiny workshop. We do birthday cakes, dessert tables, bits for special occasions. Were not rolling in it, but I dont go to bed hungry and I dont lie awake worrying if Ill be able to feed my kids tomorrow.
I know how much it hurts when a man leaves a woman with children. It isnt right. But I also know thisyou cant sit around waiting for someone else to come along and rescue you. No one turned up to rescue me. When youre a mum, giving up just isnt an option.