Episode 83 - Strong for Too Long

Today I'm joined by my friend of over 20 years, Kerry McAllister to talk about her life in an episode that brought home to me just how much we're unaware of what is happening for those around us until we ask the question...Kerry and I worked together in a 'celebrity chef' fronted gastropub in an environment that was fast-paced, physically and emotionally taxing and a solid mix of hard work and fun alongside some of the best people I have ever worked alongside - a number of whom I count as lifelong friends - Kerry is one of those friends.From the start, Kerry often had to be more grown up than her tender years should have allowed and there was a great deal of dysfunction that just became part of the fabric of daily life - family harm, substance misuse and instability were always front and centre, all of which left it's particular scars.From escaping to work on a prestigious cruise liner to various high-end restaurants across the United Kingdom, Kerry's life was the classic tale of burning the candle at both ends while working hard and partying even harder but her own demons were never quite silenced we hear first-hand how Kerry was often the architect of her own downfall whilst trying to hold things together for herself.Volatile relationships, drug and alcohol excess, traversing the country (and also moving across to France for a while) and doing everything in her power to keep things together mentally and physically, Kerry talks openly about the highs, lows and all the bits in between that have made her the woman she is today. While she is always self-effacing and quick to highlight what she sees as her flaws, I see someone who has faced adversity head-on from a young age and still keeps going - even recently, when diagnosed with breast cancer her willingness to fight and her capacity to love those around her is an inspiration and I am proud to call her my friend.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Social Harmony - Time to Talk - YouTubehttps://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=8561a459c4db49c1https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061