Kathy Burke > Quotes

“I sat on his bed listening to records and having a smoke when it suddenly dawned on me at the grand old age of 16, fucking hell Kath, we’re all poor”
― Kathy Burke , A Mind of My Own

“I asked if it was okay to smoke, ‘I’d rather you didn’t as I have cancer.’ I was startled. I didn’t expect her to say that. Is that why she wanted to see me? ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’m not going to die just yet, but once cancer gets a grip on your body you can no longer take life and time for granted.’ She continued to talk about doctors and procedures and moving to London permanently, but I had become very upset so she held me and stroked my head and soothed me like a mother. ‘It’s okay,’ she said quietly, ‘I’ve had an incredible life and if it ends before I become feeble then so much the better.’ As we said our goodbyes she cupped my face with her hands, smiled and twinkled with her beautiful, mischievous eyes, ‘Always remember to say it was me who found you. Me.’ I didn’t think anyone would be interested, but I always have.”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own

“felt a lot of kindness for our situation from Islington Council. We weren’t the only ones on the poverty line and I don’t recall us ever being made to feel ashamed. Free school meals were fantastic as far as I was concerned”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

“We oohed”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

“I hate today’s rhetoric of looking down on people on benefits – all the fault of the Murdoch and Rothermere press barons”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

“Glad to hear it! My way of thinking is”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

“I’m the best dancer at the ugly bug ball”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

“I once did an impromptu strip-down to my knickers for a couple of boys behind the school toilet block for which they paid me in Black Jack and Fruit Salad sweeties. It made me feel quite powerful.”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times

“Was this really happening? Rik Mayall thought I was great?! What the fuckity fuck?! Of course I wanted to go. Just try and stop me!”
― Kathy Burke, A Mind of My Own: 'Irrepressibly funny' - Sunday Times