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Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid?: What Drugs Did to My Family
Teacher Elizabeth Burton-Phillips was an ordinary middle-class mother who always tried to do the best for her children; she never imagined that her identical twin sons, who had been doing so well at school, would become involved with drugs. She was shocked when they were suspended from school for smoking cannabis; but this was just the start of a terrible, unimaginable journey-culminating in the knock on the door in the early hours by the police. They gave her the devastating news that her son Nick had killed himself in despair at his heroin addiction. Since his death, Elizabeth has campaigned tirelessly to make parents aware of the pain and suffering caused to families by drug addiction; and her surviving twin, Simon, now drug-free, has contributed his own thoughts to this inspiring and moving book.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 27, 2021
Gripping, could not put it down, wanted to read on and on. This was very true to emotions, thought and feelings and way of life that I as a parent have experienced to a point. Personally believe that everyone should have a go at reading this, not just those that have experienced life like it, but for others also, it gives a true understanding of addiction and that it can happen to any family. No one knows how life will be or how our children will live their life however much we guide and support them and want the best for them in life.
June 30, 2024
Heel confronterend hoe de moeder het drugsgebruik van haar kinderen niet doorheeft tot een bepaald moment
July 2, 2024
Heartbreaking, so sad
February 18, 2017
Factual account of the impact of 2 twins heroin addiction had on them and their family. Told predominantly from their mothers perspective in the hope it will enlighten other families.
December 1, 2019
I read this in one sitting, so powerful
Oh my goodness, recommended to me by a friend. I have lived through a similar situation for the last 15 years. This book helped me in ways I cannot describe. I cannot say that I feel a happy ending is possible but maybe I can deal with it now.
Oh my goodness, recommended to me by a friend. I have lived through a similar situation for the last 15 years. This book helped me in ways I cannot describe. I cannot say that I feel a happy ending is possible but maybe I can deal with it now.
June 9, 2024
What an utterly moving read, I cried my way through many a page.
My life has been impacted by 4 different people who were addicts, only 1 is still alive today and clean, I’ve cried through the funerals of the other 3.
The strength it must have taken for a grieving mother to be able to produce this books shows the determination to help others.
My life has been impacted by 4 different people who were addicts, only 1 is still alive today and clean, I’ve cried through the funerals of the other 3.
The strength it must have taken for a grieving mother to be able to produce this books shows the determination to help others.
July 2, 2021
I have had to take a day or two to write this review, to compose myself, to try and find the right words to express how this book made me feel. I have come to the conclusion, that there are not any kind of sentiments or statements that will ever do this book justice, and I am so elated that I have had the opportunity to read this.
Giving an insider's perspective from this harrowing world of drugs, Elizabeth explores a Mother's side of the story of addiction in such a powerful and remarkable way.
As the title and synopsis suggest, this a memoir by Elizabeth Burton-Phillips, MBE - the mother of two twins who were captured by the cruelty of heroin addiction, and how one of her sons, Nick, heartbreakingly lost his battle in 2004 after committing suicide.
This made me cry from the very beginning, to the very end. I sobbed with Elizabeth and Simon (Nick's brother) as they both recall this traumatic and painful time of their lives, spanning over a decade.
Some would say I am bias as this is a very relatable topic for me and one of my children, but I am so thankful for the courageousness that Elizabeth and her family were able to demonstrate by being incredibly frank and truthful about their lives during these times. I am able to acknowledge precisely the anguish, and the desolation that addiction brings to a whole family, even after death, however, Elizabeth and Simon's words were able to offer comfort and support through the ink on the pages.
From the demands of having to put boundaries in place, against a mother's maternal instincts, to the failed rehabilitation attempts, the effects this time had on her marriage, to the realisation that the bond between the brothers was actually one of the main factors of their re-occurring relapses, not wanting the other to suffer alone in their drug induced solitude, I was given a better understanding of circumstances that has been brought in my own life.
I can not write this review without mentioning the amazing work and the charity that Elizabeth set up in 2006, in the wake of Nick's death. DrugFAM offers help and support to everyone and anyone, with out judgement or retribution. The charity also offers educational and information programmes to help raise awareness of the dangers of addictions and to also display the sorrow it causes to these caught up in it (not just the addicts themselves!) There are no doubts why Elizabeth received her MBE for her contribution to Voluntary Services. An inspirational, strong and tenacious lady that I will be talking about for the foreseeable.
This story has also been made into a theatre production and is used in connection with educational workshops performing in prisons, schools and to families or anyone needing support and/or guidance. It is clear to see why this campaign and charity, has received such momentous support from Politicians, Police and Educational Patrons.
Nor can I leave out the fact that Simon's recovery is a such huge achievement. To overcome the pain of losing his twin brother, and remain clean ever since, is an everlasting testimony for anyone, that is struggling with addiction.
I have just three words to every reader, and every member of society out there - READ THIS BOOK!!!
Giving an insider's perspective from this harrowing world of drugs, Elizabeth explores a Mother's side of the story of addiction in such a powerful and remarkable way.
As the title and synopsis suggest, this a memoir by Elizabeth Burton-Phillips, MBE - the mother of two twins who were captured by the cruelty of heroin addiction, and how one of her sons, Nick, heartbreakingly lost his battle in 2004 after committing suicide.
This made me cry from the very beginning, to the very end. I sobbed with Elizabeth and Simon (Nick's brother) as they both recall this traumatic and painful time of their lives, spanning over a decade.
Some would say I am bias as this is a very relatable topic for me and one of my children, but I am so thankful for the courageousness that Elizabeth and her family were able to demonstrate by being incredibly frank and truthful about their lives during these times. I am able to acknowledge precisely the anguish, and the desolation that addiction brings to a whole family, even after death, however, Elizabeth and Simon's words were able to offer comfort and support through the ink on the pages.
From the demands of having to put boundaries in place, against a mother's maternal instincts, to the failed rehabilitation attempts, the effects this time had on her marriage, to the realisation that the bond between the brothers was actually one of the main factors of their re-occurring relapses, not wanting the other to suffer alone in their drug induced solitude, I was given a better understanding of circumstances that has been brought in my own life.
I can not write this review without mentioning the amazing work and the charity that Elizabeth set up in 2006, in the wake of Nick's death. DrugFAM offers help and support to everyone and anyone, with out judgement or retribution. The charity also offers educational and information programmes to help raise awareness of the dangers of addictions and to also display the sorrow it causes to these caught up in it (not just the addicts themselves!) There are no doubts why Elizabeth received her MBE for her contribution to Voluntary Services. An inspirational, strong and tenacious lady that I will be talking about for the foreseeable.
This story has also been made into a theatre production and is used in connection with educational workshops performing in prisons, schools and to families or anyone needing support and/or guidance. It is clear to see why this campaign and charity, has received such momentous support from Politicians, Police and Educational Patrons.
Nor can I leave out the fact that Simon's recovery is a such huge achievement. To overcome the pain of losing his twin brother, and remain clean ever since, is an everlasting testimony for anyone, that is struggling with addiction.
I have just three words to every reader, and every member of society out there - READ THIS BOOK!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
Our Bookclub choice for October. Whilst it is a book with worthy intentions and has probably been appreciated by families in similar situations, it doesn’t do anything to address the issue of why certain people escalate into hard drugs whilst others don’t. Elizabeth seems to suggest that her decision to move to Bath and a more challenging job was the catalyst but I’m sure many families have followed this path or far more challenging situations without any family members succumbing to heroin addiction.
The fact that the boys hid their drug use and were good at lying is not surprising to any parent. Children are very adept at lying - maybe Elizabeth just didn’t have the ability to see through this deceit? Time and again she was blind to their lies and so easily hoodwinked.
I can understand a mother’s love for her child meaning she will go on trying to save them - it took her a long time to get to tough love! And her poor husband is dragged along - not even their dad - my admiration goes to him. And why is the sister pretty much invisible throughout the book - why?
Still not sure she addresses the issue - why them and not others? Being a twin certainly seems to exacerbate their addiction but I feel there must be something more or is it just a combination of factors which no one can really mitigate against?
The fact that the boys hid their drug use and were good at lying is not surprising to any parent. Children are very adept at lying - maybe Elizabeth just didn’t have the ability to see through this deceit? Time and again she was blind to their lies and so easily hoodwinked.
I can understand a mother’s love for her child meaning she will go on trying to save them - it took her a long time to get to tough love! And her poor husband is dragged along - not even their dad - my admiration goes to him. And why is the sister pretty much invisible throughout the book - why?
Still not sure she addresses the issue - why them and not others? Being a twin certainly seems to exacerbate their addiction but I feel there must be something more or is it just a combination of factors which no one can really mitigate against?
February 18, 2026
Mum Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? is a deeply moving and eye-opening account of how drug abuse and addiction can take hold of any family, regardless of background or circumstance. The story follows twin brothers whose lives become entangled in destructive choices, showing how easily experimentation and poor decisions can escalate into devastating consequences. What begins with small, seemingly innocent requests—like asking for twenty pounds—gradually reveals a far more serious and heartbreaking struggle beneath the surface. The book powerfully illustrates how addiction is rarely obvious at first, often hidden behind excuses, promises, and fleeting hope.
At its core, the story captures the unimaginable toll addiction takes on parents and families. It lays bare the fear, guilt, confusion, and relentless love experienced by parents trying desperately to save their children. As both twins spiral into harmful paths, the emotional strain intensifies, ultimately leading to the tragic death of one of them. The book also delivers a powerful message that, no matter how much support or love surrounds them, change can only happen when the person battling addiction truly wants to change themselves.
At its core, the story captures the unimaginable toll addiction takes on parents and families. It lays bare the fear, guilt, confusion, and relentless love experienced by parents trying desperately to save their children. As both twins spiral into harmful paths, the emotional strain intensifies, ultimately leading to the tragic death of one of them. The book also delivers a powerful message that, no matter how much support or love surrounds them, change can only happen when the person battling addiction truly wants to change themselves.
August 15, 2026
A heartbreaking account of the devastating impact drug addiction can have on an entire family.
For me, a significant part of the story also felt underexplored: the period before the addiction became obvious. I was left wondering how the boys accessed drugs so young, what warning signs were missed, and why their movements and behaviour did not raise more questions earlier. This isn’t about simply blaming the parents, addiction is complex and young people can be extremely good at hiding what they are doing but a deeper reflection on parental awareness, peer influences and those early warning signs would have made this a much more insightful and useful book for parents.
I did feel the book needed much tighter editing and could have told the story more effectively with less detail.
For me, a significant part of the story also felt underexplored: the period before the addiction became obvious. I was left wondering how the boys accessed drugs so young, what warning signs were missed, and why their movements and behaviour did not raise more questions earlier. This isn’t about simply blaming the parents, addiction is complex and young people can be extremely good at hiding what they are doing but a deeper reflection on parental awareness, peer influences and those early warning signs would have made this a much more insightful and useful book for parents.
I did feel the book needed much tighter editing and could have told the story more effectively with less detail.
March 1, 2022
Ik werk als leefgroepbegeleider in een therapeutische gemeenschap voor mensen met een verslavingsproblematiek. Het thema is me bekend, maar de manier hoe dit verhaal werd geschreven heeft me erg ontroerd. Het is eerlijk, menselijk, maar ook hard. Ik ken voornamelijk de kant van de persoon met de verslaving, dus het was interessant om deze keer de andere kant op de voorgrond te zien staan. Heftig, maar wel leerrijk. Ik ga voor 4 sterren i.p.v. 5 sterren, omdat ik het genezingsproces van Simon mis in het boek. Na het overlijden van Nick gaat het plots heel snel. Ik had graag willen weten hoe Simon erin geslaagd is om clean te worden na zo'n destructieve periode...
July 12, 2025
Just finished this book. Coming from someone with ADHD and who struggles to stay focused, this book pulled me in from the start. Finished it in less than a week! I’ve never finished a book so quick. Elizabeth gives a detailed, raw and honest insight to what life is like for the individuals addicted to substances and those close to them and the strains it has on them. A powerful read, which should be shown to everyone in schools to hopefully deter them from the vicious cycle that is drug addiction. A sad story about nick, but it is a blessing that Simon managed to rebuild his life. A 5 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
I saw this live in hmp Bronzefield I was an inmate at the time I'm and also a recovery worker helping women who have alcohol or drug addictions I was supposed to be there to support the other women but I must have been the only one who cried her eyes out when I saw this live in the prison Chapel I wish I could see it again one of the most emotional things I've ever seen in my entire life.
June 16, 2024
Srdceryvný příběh vypráví o životě dvojčat, kteří se stáli závislí na heroinu. Závislost na těžkých drogách je velmi zlá v tom, že zpravidla ničí nejen ty, kteří je berou, ale i nejbližší rodiny. Protože lidé závislí na heroinu, kteří potřebují peníze, jsou schopni okrást a obelhat i ty nejbližší. Kniha je psána především z pozice matky dvojčat. Smutná kniha, ale doporučuji.
July 10, 2024
What an inspirational story, though a heartbreaking one that is full of fight and grief. I relate to some of this but not all of it, breaking through the stigma and providing support to others is a beautiful and brave legacy and I hope I get to do something similar in memory of my Son, create a legacy in his memory.
March 31, 2026
My partners grandma wrote this book and my partner gave it to me when we first met to read. It is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s so gripping and knowing the people in the book personally and the person who wrote it makes it so much more touching. Such a powerful book which I think everyone should read
April 18, 2026
Další silná kniha ohledné drogové tématiky, ale tentokrát z pohledu rodiče. Matka, zde popisuje úskalí a bolest z toho, že její synové propadli heroinu.
Málokdo si myslím vůbec zamýšlel nad tím napsat knihu z pohledu toho rodiče. Rozhodně patří mezi jednu z nejlepších na toto téma a zůstane ve Vás i po letech.
Málokdo si myslím vůbec zamýšlel nad tím napsat knihu z pohledu toho rodiče. Rozhodně patří mezi jednu z nejlepších na toto téma a zůstane ve Vás i po letech.
November 14, 2018
Raw account of a families struggles with drug addiction. The author has twin sons, both of which were addicted to drugs - the plight of the author is plain to see in this no holds barred account filled with tragic events.
March 12, 2019
This was a raw tale of two twin brothers and a mother. All struggling with drugs. Recently with what happened with my family, I decided to read it. What I got was a book with what I couldn't put down. It was so raw and nothing like I've read before.
February 21, 2022
excellent
What a brave lady to write this book, so glad she did though. Anybody who has loved ones in active addiction should read this. Really makes you understand you’re not alone in the terrible darkness of a loved ones addiction
What a brave lady to write this book, so glad she did though. Anybody who has loved ones in active addiction should read this. Really makes you understand you’re not alone in the terrible darkness of a loved ones addiction
February 24, 2025
Very thought provoking and educational. Would absolutely suggest everyone read this, whether it be because you yourself are in the situation, know someone who is or has been in the situation or just to educated yourself on what addiction does to the person, but family and friends also.
November 14, 2019
Completely candid and a real eye opener on the huge impact on a completely normal family. A must read, especially for teenagers.
March 15, 2020
Brilliant! Totally engrossed the whole way through. Read this in one sitting.
January 9, 2023
Couldn’t put it down.
May 6, 2023
This is a heartbreaking story
July 18, 2023
I listened to the audible drama version of this book which is retitled as Inseparable.
A well acted and scripted drama. Highly recommended.
A well acted and scripted drama. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2023
Such a tough read. I’ve never understood the desire to get into drugs and out of touch with reality.. this book shows how easy it is and the heartbreaking story of a mother trying to help her sons
June 29, 2024
Drastic, so horrible, sad.
August 16, 2024
A hard hitting account of a family's battle with heroin. A mum's honest account of her life trying to help her twin boys get free from addiction. A tough but good read.
October 21, 2024
..
Absolutely amazing , brilliant read, the strength you showed as a person and family just shows within the after work you are doing 🙂
Absolutely amazing , brilliant read, the strength you showed as a person and family just shows within the after work you are doing 🙂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews