Gareth Southgate's Daughter

Chapter 1

Hi, my name is Lexie Southgate. Yes I am Gareth Southgate's daughter. My mum and dad were together a long time but they split up when I was 10 years old and I had to stay with mum. I didn't want to stay with her as I've always been a daddy's girl.

I was heartbroken when they split up. My mum always told me it was dad's fault, that she was the victim and at that age I believed her.

My aunty Lisa was the only person who stayed in contact with my dad. She's my mum's sister and she went to school with my dad, they were really good friends which is how she introduced them to each other. The only way I could speak to my dad without mum knowing was through my aunty.

One day my mum found out that I was talking to my dad and she went ballistic. She was so angry that she lashed out at me; she hit me. I was only 13 when it happened and then I became scared of my mum. She said if I told anyone she would deny it and it would make her even more angry, so I stayed quiet and took the abuse.

I didn't contact my dad as much as I was scared of getting caught. He knew something was up but I couldn't tell him even though I wanted to and I wanted to be with him.

I found out when I was 16 that my mum was the one to blame. For years my own mother lied to me. Aunty Lisa told me my mum was the one who drove dad away, that she was the one who stopped him from contacting me. My heart broke, I thought I was the reason that he didn't want me for all those years.

A few months after I learnt the truth, I got away from my mum. Dad was the first person I rang and he said I have to live with him, his wife Alison, and their 9 year old daughter Abbie.

I did just that and I got on with them really well, Alison loves me like I'm her own child, Abbie was excited to have a big sister.

Dad and I talked everything out and I now know the truth. I also told him about mum lashing out on me. He was furious and upset.

"I'm sorry Lex, I should have done something. I should have protected my own daughter." He was nearly crying. "Dad please don't get upset. I'm here and I'm safe. I love you." I hugged him. "I love you too." He kissed the top of my head. "You can stay here as long as you like." Dad added. I smiled.

I'm finally in a loving and caring home.

My mum found out I moved in with dad and she was furious. Luckily she didn't know where he lived and I blocked her so she couldn't contact me.

I wanted to do something with my life, to make a name for myself. I know the media are going to go crazy when they find out dad has another daughter. I want to make a name for myself not just to be known as Southgate's daughter.

I decided to do YouTube and social media. I started to post vlogs and makeup videos online, sometimes with Abbie as well; people seemed to like it. I did get questions about my last name. Dad said we will do a video one day to explain it to the world.

I'm finally happy and I'm back with my dad.