I used my gran's savings to fund my booze habit

DEAR DEIDRE: TO my deep shame, I spent my gran’s savings on booze.

I’m 41, divorced and have always drunk too much, but over lockdown it got out of control. I was drinking all day, every day.

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Then I got made redundant and in order to keep paying for the booze, I took money from my gran’s account.

She is 91 and trusted me to look after her finances after my dad died. I’ve always been her favourite grandchild.

She doesn’t know how much I took, and I’m paying her back, but the guilt of what I’ve done hits me every day.

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I feel like I’ve failed her. She’s always been there for me.

I know I need to stop drinking and change – not just for her, but for myself.

DEIDRE SAYS: My support pack, Drink Problem, will show you where to find support.

Please do take advantage of the organisations who are there to help you. They won’t judge you.

You can call Drinkline – a free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s – on 0300 123 1110.

Perhaps confessing all to your gran – if you feel she can handle it – will ease your conscience.

Tell her you’re getting help. She’ll want you to be happy and healthy.