Support Resources:

Samaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.uk

Child Bereavement UK -- 0800 02 888 40 --childbereavementuk.org

Drinkline -- 0300 123 1110

Adfam -- adfam.org.uk

In 2022, Ellen's life was forever changed by the tragic death of her 14-year-old son, Jools. The cause of Jools' death is unknown, and Ellen has always believed there is more to it - but when she tried to access Jools' social media data to find out more, she found herself blocked by tech giants. This led her to her campaigning for 'Jools’ Law', which called for children's social media data to be automatically preserved after death. What started as a grassroots petition led by a bereaved mother has now turned into a national movement that is spurring changes in national policy and legislation.

Support Resources:

Samaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.uk

Frank Stedman was working as a drug dealer in Essex when he was caught by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in one the biggest undercover drug stings in British history.

After a stint on the run in Thailand, he was apprehended upon his return at Heathrow Airport and convicted for his involvement in a major drug deal involving 299 kilos of cocaine, worth an estimated £80 million in street value. After nearly a decade in prison, Frank has since turned things around; he now runs his own scaffolding business and shares his story publicly in a bid to avoid young people following in his footsteps.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.

In this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.

This story may include sensitive themes. Please listen with care. The experiences and views shared belong to the individuals involved and reflect their own experiences and beliefs.

Follow on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@zaranicolemcdermott

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbetoldstories

Produced by South Shore Productions

At 17, Natasha Saunders met John: an older man who swept her off her feet with his flattery, charm and constant communication. Within a few months, the new couple had moved in together, gotten engaged and were due to have a baby. This sudden escalation marked the beginning of an eight-year marriage marred with relentless, complex and multifaceted abuse -- until Natasha eventually hatched a plan to escape and report her husband to the authorities. Now, she is a dedicated campaigner, consultant and public speaker, drawing on her personal experiences of domestic abuse and coercive control to advocate for change.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.

Support Resources:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline -- 0808 2000 247

Refuge -- refuge.org.uk

Women's Aid -- womensaid.org.uk

In this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.

This story may include sensitive themes. Please listen with care. The experiences and views shared belong to the individuals involved and reflect their own experiences and beliefs.

Follow on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@zaranicolemcdermott

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbetoldstories

Produced by South Shore Productions