Life is a large story book

Diane 39 from Brixton. A single mum to six. Until recently she worked as a traffic warden. 

How are you?

I'm fine - though I thought I'd be happier. I'd like to have a husband and be married. It would be nice if someone was there for me.

How do you feel about kids?

I thought I'd have two but I needed up with six. They are my very life and soul.They are my breath, if I didn't have them I wouldn't be able to breathe.

How do you see yourself?

I'm like an octopus. You can't see the arms but I am there for everyone. I'm seen as an agony aunt. It makes me feel good that people can tell me stuff. It gives me great honour to help people. 

What do you like about yourself?

I like me. No one can be me. I feel I am different and I've been put on this planet to make a difference. I don't care what people think about me. I'm a cheerful happy person. I just get on with life. I am optimistic and I have my faith.

How do you best express yourself?

When I'm vexed, I'm vexed! You can hear me long before you can see me! (laughing) I have always loved 'The Sound of Music'. The hills are always on my mind. You can often hear me singing "The hills are alive with the sound of music...."

What are your views on faith? 

I always believe that people are watching over me. If the life God put in front of me wasn't meant to be then I wouldn't be where I am!

What’s your most memorable experience?

When I was 16 I got pregnant. I didn't tell anyone, not even my Mum. I didn't realise it but I went into labour in the loo at home. His head was coming out. My Mum was banging on the door. “What’s going on in there?” I tried desperately to push his head back up. I was more frightened of my Mum finding out I was pregnant than actually having the baby.

How do you think other people see you?

People judge too much. They don't get to know me. When they find out who I am they notice how placid I can be. It's important not to judge. When I worked as a traffic warden, people judge you. It's amazing what you have to put up with. People have said to me  “I hope you get cancer, I hope your children get run over and die" -  horrible things.  

What are your dreams?

I would love to be financially secure and to pass my driving test and get my ow car.

Who or what inspires you?

My children!

What do you think about life?

Life is a large story book. It's a story. Everyone is here for a reason and they all have a story to tell.

What would you like to leave for the next generation?

It would be nice for the world to calm down a bit and let us just get on with life.