A mum has started a fundraiser to pay for her divorce.
Genevieve Pepper, 44, from Ramsgate, Kent, is currently going through a divorce after being married for eight years.
After already running up £15,000 of legal debts during the process, the mum-of-three says women shouldn't be afraid to ask for help instead of borrowing more money.
Copywriter Genevieve says: "It's not shameful to ask for help when you are struggling.
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"I have been going through the divorce process for a year and a half now and it has all cost an absolute fortune.
"I have put the target of my GoFundMe as £15K as this is the least I will need to pay for my legal fees that I have to pay back.
"I was with my ex for 12 years and we were married for eight, but we decided to separate in 2020.
"I think it is an important issue to talk about because I know so many women who stay in their unhappy marriages because they can't afford to get divorced.
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"Although I felt nervous and anxious about setting up a GoFundMe to help me pay for the divorce, I just want to be able to get out of the marriage as soon as possible."
Although Genevieve was at first apprehensive to ask for donations, she says she's also found it to be an empowering experience, adding that taking control and doing something for herself has been a great feeling, despite the sad situation.
"Even people who have donated a fiver to me, it means the world. It has made me feel cared about and like I am part of a community," she continued.
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"It has been so empowering to know that I am doing something for myself to get myself out of the marriage. As the cost of living is so expensive now too, it has been such a scary time for me as a single parent.
"So having the crowdfunder has given me a bit more balance as it has allowed me to spend my money on keeping the lights on and food on the table for my kids.
"I'd encourage any women who are in a similar situation to what I was to ask for help. I'm not forcing anyone to give me money, I just opened up and asked for some help to help change my life."
To donate to help Genevieve, you can visit the fundraiser here.
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