Radio listeners come to aid of ‘desperate’ mum who stole to feed kids

Listeners to a radio station have come to the aid of a lone parent who said she stole from a supermarket in order to provide her children with lunches for school.

The woman, who asked not to be named, sent a letter to The Neil Prendeville Show on Cork’s Red FM in which she said she had hit “rock bottom”.

She said she stole two packs of corned beef and a block of cheese from her local shop in a desperate bid to fill lunch boxes.

“I’m desperate and can’t figure my way out of this mess. I don’t know how I’m going to even feed my kids this week. I’m a lone parent, not by choice, and before anyone starts thinking we have it easy, think again. I’m in full-time education trying to get a qualification to help me get a job. I don’t waste my money, I don’t go out, I don’t drink or smoke.”

The woman said she felt a failure as a parent and she felt her children would be better off without her.

“I’m seriously at my wits end and having to resort to theft is the final straw for me. I’m so embarrassed and ashamed of myself, but my kids come first. I’m begging you to ask your listeners if anyone has a few hours work they could offer me, I’d be eternally grateful, I’ll do anything at all.”

There was an instant response. The woman has now received a number of job offers, along with offers of groceries and financial help.