How hundreds of celebrity letters have helped this South Shields woman with her mental health

The 33-year-old from Simonside in South Shields has received a total of 369 replies from both the Royal Family and celebrities across the globe after putting pen to paper.

She has also been sent signed memorabilia from some celebrities, including singer Jessie J, as a result of her touching letters to them.

Kaley told the Gazette that writing to various famous people – a hobby she began years ago – has helped her cope during lockdown.

She said: “It has really helped with my depression and anxiety throughout lockdown, I started to do it as I am disabled.

"I’ve managed to receive exactly 100 replies from the Royal Family, I’ve sent a letter to them for every special occasion in recent memory.

"I had been writing to Dame Vera Lynn since 2017 and the Queen offered her personal condolences when she died earlier this year.”

And Kaley has one person who she was happiest to receive a response from.

She added: “I think the response from Jessie J was the best one that I’ve received. I’m a massive fan of hers.

"She has sent me CD displays and signed memorabilia that I now have on display in my house.”

Kaley suffers from epilepsy and fibromyalgia and is unable to use the right side of her body after suffering from a stroke at just 15 weeks old.

In December 2017, Kaley underwent a haircut for the Little Princess Trust after her idol Jessie J shaved her hair for charity back in 2013.

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