Sue changed my life... we will be friends for ever

Teen’s tribute to her adult mentor

TUCKING into a hot chocolate waffle at a festive fair Sue and Holly’s smiles are as bright as the Christmas lights above them.

There is a 40-year age gap between them but they could not be closer as they enjoy the thrills of Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park.

Sue, 58, and Holly, 18, both from Dorset, first met in 2015 through the Action For Children Independent Visitor scheme, which pairs children in care with a volunteer mentor.

Holly, who is studying for a degree in Psychology in Southampton, says: “Before I went into care things were rubbish.

“I was in with the wrong crowd and wasn’t doing very well academically.

“My parents had made bad choices since I was a baby and I moved in with my foster mum and started at a new school in a new area.

“Then Sue turned up and I started to knuckle down a bit and got through my GCSES. I actually looked at a calendar and marked when I met Sue and when my grades started improving. She was like a friend and a counsellor all in one. “If I had a serious issue and had nobody to talk to then I knew I could call Sue and she’d drop everything and come round.”

The pair share a knowing look before Sue adds: “I’m proud to walk beside her. I love watching her grow and even though she’s had some really difficult challenges in her life, she’s always maintained her authenticity and is really caring and compassionate.”

Holly says: “Sue’s going to come to my wedding and will be the godmother to my children.”

The Mirror’s Give Kids a Cracking Christmas appeal is raising money to give other vulnerable youngsters the same opportunities as Holly. Sue tears up as she admits: “This is what makes it all worthwhile – you get back 10 times what you put in. “Being an independent visitor is good for the soul. I would recommend everybody does it...why wouldn’t you?”