A RECOVERING alcoholic, who almost lost her children because of her drinking, plans to set up a halfway house for women in the same boat.

The news could not come at a better time for Kay Duignan's son Liam and daughter Aymi, who are looking forward to spending their third Mother's Day with a sober mum.

"Liam used to have to collect me from school and sometimes mum would walk straight past us," said 10-year-old Aymi, who, with her brother, now helps other youngsters with alcoholic parents.

"She often passed out on the sofa which made me quite scared, but I got used to it. Now she's better, I'm very, very proud of her."

Mrs Duignan - who, with fellow recovering alcoholic Peter Owen, plans to open Magdalene House in Worcester - was forced to address her 15-year addiction when her husband threatened to leave and take the children.

She embarked on a 12-step programme with an organisation dedicated to helping people suffering from alcoholism.

Now hopes she can use her experience to help other women faced with the same plight.

The 44-year-old said the "tough" 90-day rehabilitation, involving intensive therapy and counselling, would be the best thing they ever did.

"Coming to us won't be an easy option," she said.

"It's one thing cleaning your system out, but if you don't have the self-belief and life skills, you'll go back into the same environment and start again. We hope to work like a microwave, healing people from the inside out."

The residential programme will comprise three stages: an intensive detox, therapy and counselling and finally, a reunion of the women with their children, whether they live together or not.

Mr Owen, aged 51, who was an alcoholic for 30 years, lost his girlfriend and her two children, his home, a singing career, and wound up living in a cardboard box.

He was forced to take action when he was given six months to live.

As a registered charity, Magdalene House will have the expertise of psychotherapist Gordon Law and a priest at Worcester's Asha centre for women, Fran Battin.

But they still need a property in or around Worcester to accommodate 10 women on a 24-hour basis.

They are willing to pay rent, but hope someone will donate a building.

To help or for more information, call 01905 425077.

To read Kay and Peter's stories: See Monday's Evening News