New testimonials for Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid?

Paperback version to be published February 2008

• ‘This book left me in tears. Nothing in my time as lead Judge of the West London Dedicated Drugs Court has brought home so clearly the hell addicts and their families go through, It should be compulsory reading for all in the Criminal Justice System.’ District Judge Justin Phillips

Archbishop Rowan : "The impact on families of drug abuse is tragic and widespread, and too few people are aware of the needs in this area - the need for information, for understanding and for support. The Foundation's work is immensely valuable and I salute the courage of its founder Elizabeth Burton-Phillips."

• ‘I just wanted to write and thank you personally for writing your book about your sons; it must have taken an amazing amount of courage to write it.’ Gordon Brown, Prime Minister

• ‘Thank you for putting in words what is such a taboo, and for showing the devastation and destruction that addiction can cause, whatever the substance that is abused is. I thank you also for showing that addicts are just normal people who take one wrong turn in their lives, and they don't intend the hurt they cause, and need love whether it be tough or supporting or just a hug now and again, just like any other person who isn't addicted. I was amazed and humbled by your eloquence and bravery.’ Helen Child Villiers, one of Elizabeth’s former pupils

• ‘This is truly a heart-wrenching story that no parent should have to tell. Every parent should read Elizabeth’s book and in-turn ensure that their son or daughter read the book, so her story and message is read and everybody fully understands the tragedy drugs can bring in to a family’s life.’ Chief Supt Paul Tinnion, Buckinghamshire Police

• ‘I was blown away by the detail and how well you both managed to put the important points across of the pitiful nature of addiction. I have witnessed the awful things that accompany addiction as I went through years of heroin and crack addiction etc myself. If it where only me that was affected it would not have been so bad. But it tares so many lives apart. The book tells it like it really is.’ Andrea,  a recovering adict

• ‘When I read your book I felt overwhelmed by the story you unfolded for me in such graphic detail. Although as a drug and alcohol counsellor, I hear these stories frequently, the way you related the anguish and torment in being a parent in such circumstances has given me a new insight into the hurt and despair involved.’ Bill Wright, Hillingdon Action Group for Addiction Management, Uxbridge

• ‘This book was like reading my own story as both my sons have been addicted to heroin for twelve years and, like Elizabeth, I told no one. I have not gone through the heartbreak of losing one of my own boys but like so many parents I live in fear of this happening. I go to bed thankful it wasn’t today and I wake up praying – don’t let it be today.’ Linda, mother of two addicted sons

• ‘As a mother I felt compelled to read your book. Your story fills me with dread for my own children. I have vowed to try to use your book as a tool for me and I would recommend all parents to do so.’ Nicky, a pupil at the same school as Nick and Simon, now a mother with young children

• ‘The devastation caused by drugs can only truly be told by those that have suffered at its hands. The story told is painful, true and every parent’s worst nightmare. Elizabeth has committed a substantial part of her life to sharing her family’s experience with others both through the book and the many presentations that she has delivered. This has significantly contributed to the message we would like to give about the devastating harm that drugs has on users, their families and the communities around them.’ Neil Wilson, Detective Superintendent, MPS Drugs Directorate New Scotland Yard

• ‘Reading your book has been an inspiration to me. My son was a crack and heroine addict and is still serving a four year prison sentence for dealing. You have shown me that as a mother I am not alone with this problem.’ Gwen Vella, mother
• Elizabeth’s courage in speaking out is moving, and her ability to move others is impressive. Her commitment to helping other families avoid the tragedy that touched her family is inspirational. This is a story that needs to be told, and needs to be heard. The Rt Hon Theresa May MP

• Elizabeth Burton-Phillips’ story is both harrowing and tragic but ultimately it is a story of hope through adversity. Out of the tragedy she has found the strength to write her book and in trying to understand the whole episode, has been a great help already to so many people who have similar experiences. Dr Mike Davies (Nick’s doctor), Twyford Surgery, Berkshire
  
  
  
  Previous Testimonies

Elizabeth’s courage in speaking out is moving, and her ability to move others is impressive. Her commitment to helping other families avoid the tragedy that touched her family is inspirational. This is a story that needs to be told, and needs to be heard.

The Rt Hon Theresa May MP

Elizabeth Burton-Phillips’ story is both harrowing and tragic but ultimately it is a story of hope through adversity. Out of the tragedy she has found the strength to write her book and in trying to understand the whole episode, has been a great help already to so many people who have similar experiences.

Dr Mike Davies (Nick’s doctor), Twyford Surgery, Berkshire

Elizabeth Burton-Phillips and her husband Tony have a level of understanding regarding substance misuse coupled with a wealth of experience that can only be gained by living on a daily basis with the hardship, pain and suffering inflicted on the family by a loved one’s drug use. Elizabeth’s book can reach out to the families of substance misusers by letting them know ‘they are not alone’.

Glen Goodchild, Addiction Counselling Trust, High Wycombe

Your book is so incredibly brave and honest. You are right – we should be aware of it. I have four teenage children and you have been through the nightmare we all dread.

Lady Hodgson, Chairman Conservative Women’s Organisation

Elizabeth’s story is told simply but it is extremely powerful and moving. It is a story that helps people to recognise that drug misuse can affect anyone, whatever their background. The crucial message that it imparts is that hope exists not only for young people but for their families.

Rosie Brocklehurst, ex Director of Communications and External Relations, Addaction

Elizabeth gives the most powerful and affirming plea not to get drawn into drug use that I have ever heard or read. Writing from the tragedy of her own personal experience, Elizabeth graphically details the erosive effects of drug abuse on her two sons from smoking secretly in the park all the way to heroin addiction and its ghastly consequences.

Phil Ward, Headmaster, Feltonfleet School, Surrey

This story is even more poignant to me knowing that at the time of your son’s tragic death, you were teaching my daughter and we knew nothing of what you were going through.

Susan Kurr, Director, Chiltern Enterprise Gateway

I would urge all parents and teachers to read this heart-rending book; it will change your thinking and could save lives.

Anthony Seldon, Headmaster, Wellington College

Families play a vital role in educating children about drugs, but lack of information and the fear of ‘saying the wrong thing’, often prevents these discussions taking place. Elizabeth’s story powerfully reveals the devastation that drugs inflict on the lives of young people and those who care for and about them. I am sure that through her work more parents and young people will be moved to get the facts about drugs and to talk openly with each other about the risks involved. It is the FRANK campaign’s role to make the facts easily accessible and help parents and carers to have productive conversations with their children. www.talktofrank.com

Chris Neish, Senior Campaigns Manager of the FRANK campaign. Department of Health