Childhood in care inspires the launch of party company

Now Khelsi Price, of Ripley Street, is hoping her determination to succeed will inspire other children in care to never give up hope.

The 24-year-old said: "My brother and I were taken into care on my seventh birthday as my mum suffered with alcoholism and was unable to care for us.

"We went to two short-term families until we settled at the Davies household and I spent the next eight years there.

"We became part of the family and were loved and supported the whole way.

"They funded my passion for performance and took my brother and I to their caravan where I spent most of my time.

"I was that kid that joined in everything and entered every competition. Even the managing director knew who I was.

"I became obsessed with all things entertainment and always knew that I wanted to be that person up on the stage, making others feel the way I felt then."

It was these happy memories from her childhood that inspired her to get a job as a children's entertainer at Robin Hood Holiday Park.

Since then, she has also travelled around the world, visiting places in both Europe and Asia.

But this year she decided now was the perfect time to open her own party company, The Entertainment Emporium.

She added: "Once I had my equipment, costumes, staff and insurance, the first thing I did was contact the fostering team as I remembered they had an annual Christmas party for all the children.

"I wanted them to have something special. We treated them to a Frozen and Spiderman extravaganza and it was a joyous event and a precious memory for me.

"I want to be an example to kids in care and send a positive message.

"I was not an easy child and I could have easily ended up on a bad path but because I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared and saw my potential and passion that never happened.

"I've always known what I wanted but without the guidance I was given I wouldn't have got there on my own."

For more information visit facebook.com/theentertainmentemporium.