[AnnieK]

I was definitely the more challenging child and definitely not the favourite My brother was 2 years older and good at everything, he was popular, sporty, clever, outgoing and good as gold. I was not as clever and always in trouble. I skipped school, got caught smoking, had parties every time my folks went out, got in trouble with the police, stayed out all night, drink and drugs, my parents disliked a lot of my friends (with good reason).

My mum had a wicked temper though and so I would never argue with her as such. Dad was a pushover. When I grew up my mum said I was a nightmare but if she'd had 2 kids like my brother it would have been boring as at least I kept them on their toes.

As an adult I was really close to my mum until she died and adore my dad.

My early childhood with them was brilliant, we didn't have loads of money but we had great times. I just went off the rails for my teenage years.