Hi everyone

My name is Debbie, and I have a difficult story to share.

In August 2024 I discovered that my husband of 35 years was having an affair with my 23-year-old employee. This completely rocked my world and threw my entire life into turmoil.

During the highly emotional aftermath, her stepfather assaulted me, throwing a brick at my head which put me in hospital. He was taken to court, but as is often the case these days when it comes to violence against women, he was found not guilty.

My former employee then proceeded to take me to an employment tribunal which has dragged on for 19 months and is still ongoing.

This has had a devastating effect on my mental health. The shock brought on numerous trauma seizures, suicide ideation, panic attacks, an eating disorder and insomnia. My health authority referred me to the local crisis team who have been absolutely brilliant in keeping me safe from self-harm. Recently, the psychiatric team at my local hospital have officially diagnosed me with PTSD.

My entire world had been torn apart. I’ve struggled to cope with the double betrayal, grieving a life with a man I thought I knew and a retirement I thought we were going to have.

Throughout all this, my soon-to-be ex has acted as though he is the victim. I had to get a restraining order to stop him harassing me at our marital home.

Only after he left did I discover that there were enormous arrears on the mortgage. Whilst I did my best to pay them on my dog walker salary, I couldn’t. Recently, an eviction notice was served on me and it was only by the skin of my teeth and the support of my friends that I was able to stave off that eviction.

The one thing that has kept me going and has been my constant is my job. The dogs in my care give me a purpose to get up each morning and keep moving forward. I literally owe my life to the dogs. I absolutely love my job and more so now as it’s the one thing that has saved me.

My ex refuses to accept any responsibility for the debts he left me with, as well as refusing to take reasonable steps to settle the financial element of our divorce. He has hired an excellent solicitor whereas I am struggling to afford the right level of legal representation to counter and ensure a secure future for me, my dogs and my small business.

And this is where I really need your help. I desperately need to raise funds to pay for legal representation to finalise the financial side of the divorce and give me closure and peace to move on with my life.

I realise money is tight for everyone. Even if you can’t give, a share on social media is just as valuable. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read this far. Thank you so much.