Kerry Katona has opened up about her turbulent childhood which saw her exposed to a life of drugs and poverty before living in three refuges.
Aged just 14, she recalled her mum, Sue, giving her speed to try – claiming it was “sherbet”.
The singer turned reality star has never shied away from discussing her past troubles but has now shared the true pain she was forced to endure.
Kerry, 40, is using the pain she lived through as a youngster growing up in Warrington, Cheshire, to make sure that no child goes hungry in Britain.
“I 100% remember a time when there was not enough food in the house when there just wasn’t enough money,” she told the Irish Mirror.
Kerry admitted that as a youngster she survived on ketchup sandwiches while her mum, Sue, was away (Image: Instagram)
The mum-of-five went on to say that at around nine years of age she would find herself rummaging through the kitchen cupboards in hopes of finding a substantial meal.
Heartbreakingly, the beauty admitted: “When I was living with my mum, she would go out on benders for three days and there would be no food. I was only about nine.
Katona was let to fend for herself at home before moving in with a foster family (Image: Instagram)
“I would live on tomato ketchup butties, there might be some stale bread in the cupboard and ketchup in a bottle and that is what I would live on until my mum would come home.”
In a desperate bid to end her hunger, she went on to reveal that she found herself shoplifting at Wattington market to be able to eat.
She now ensures that her children are made aware of their privileged life and how others are not so fortunate
Her world was turned around aged 13 when she found herself living with foster parents Margaret and Fred Woodall who had “so much food in” their cupboards.
Following the inspiring campaign by Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford to ensure no child goes hungry during out-of-term time, she said: “Times are hard for everyone but every child should be entitled to a hot meal every day.
“The government should definitely be doing more and helping schools through this difficult time.”
After finding fame and becoming successful, Kerry was keen to ensure her children know they’re fortunate to live a privileged life.
She recalls taking her family to a refuge one Christmas in order to hand out presents to those in need after she herself was left with no furniture or food during the festive period in her younger years.
In a bid to help others, she also purchases a food bag from Morrisons during her weekly shop which is donated to somebody going through a similar situation.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
