0:00:27 > 0:00:30I'd like hair like yours, soft and shiny.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Why don't you have something different for a change?
0:00:34 > 0:00:35No way.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Leave it out, Mum.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Just the normal.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47I wish I could wear nice clothes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You do.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50That top really suits you.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53It's a lovely colour, I should've got one for myself.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55I'm sick of wearing old granny clothes,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58I just want to go out and buy myself something nice.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Something pretty.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03I know you do, love.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04I know you do.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Courier's just dropped this lot off.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17What's that, Jess Harding?
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Mm-hm. Hearing's tomorrow.
0:01:22 > 0:01:23I haven't got time to read all this.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Just read what you can.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Why they've dragged me in to it, I don't know, I hardly know them.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34Well, just go and answer whatever questions they throw at you, that's all you can do.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37If I say the wrong thing, Jess could end up being taken away from her mum.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41It might be for the best.
0:01:41 > 0:01:47Kevin went to see Jess the other day. He seems to think the mum's to blame for the state she's in.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Maybe he's got a point.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Oh, I don't know.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Are you just going to stand around moaning or are you going to do something?
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Online, job lot, bargain.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The entire Jane Austen canon.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10A bit dog-eared, but nonetheless readable.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13A treasure trove.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Oh, Lady Susan!
0:02:18 > 0:02:20We've got everything we need now for the readathon.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22So who will you approach?
0:02:22 > 0:02:25We, Mrs Tembe, will approach them all.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28This will be quite a challenge.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33"There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened at the will of others."
0:02:33 > 0:02:35They are in for such a treat.
0:02:38 > 0:02:39Schoolwork's a waste of time!
0:02:39 > 0:02:42We all need an education.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45What for? I can't get out the house to go to school,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47never mind get a job!
0:02:47 > 0:02:52Who'd want me? Lots of people! And we can't have you falling behind with your schoolwork,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54or we'll have them on our back on top of everything else.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Now, why didn't Mr Darcy want to dance with Elizabeth?
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Cos she was fat and ugly like me!
0:03:09 > 0:03:11You're the Miss Moody today!
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Stop putting yourself down! You're gorgeous.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25You will read a Jane Austen novel, you will be questioned on the knowledge gleaned.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30You'll have to get lots of generous sponsors, because you will be doing this for charity.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32If it's for charity, why can't we read what we want?
0:03:32 > 0:03:39Because we are commemorating the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride And Prejudice.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42See I'd rather read Chris Ryan or Mario Puzo or something...
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Now we're talking, the Godfather...
0:03:45 > 0:03:49AS DON CORLEONE: Look how they messed up my boy!
0:03:49 > 0:03:54Jane Austen, she sleeps with the fishes.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Yeah... Let's do it!
0:03:56 > 0:03:58When you two have quite finished.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01This is a Jane Austen readathon. Austen, am I clear?
0:04:01 > 0:04:06So you want me to read some two hundred-year-old twaddle written by a frustrated spinster?
0:04:06 > 0:04:07Yes.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09I'd rather not.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11So...I'm out.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18And I've really...got to go...
0:04:21 > 0:04:22You Philistines!
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Heston?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30I'll have to give it a miss, I'm afraid.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33I'm far too busy to do the great lady's work justice.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Not you as well?
0:04:35 > 0:04:38But you and Miss Austen have so much in common.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39Really?
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Such a grasp of humanity.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47A rare trait, only to be found in her most dashing young men.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I'm more of a Dickens man.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I knew you would not let us down.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Beautifully executed!
0:05:02 > 0:05:04You OK, love?
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I can't get comfortable.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I should've given you this earlier.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14I don't want it. Not again.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16The doctor said you've got to take it.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18It makes me feel sick.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I'll take it later, I promise.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Don't you ever feel like a prisoner, Mum?
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Of course I don't. What's brought this on?
0:05:28 > 0:05:31What do I need to go out for? I've got everything I want here.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33I'm happy looking after you.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Tell you what, as you've been so good, have a biscuit.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40One can't hurt.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42KNOCKING
0:05:42 > 0:05:44That'll be Nurse Mandy.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Oh, hi, Mandy. Come in.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Sorry, I should've called first.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54No, you're all right. You're welcome anytime.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Come and take a seat. Studying?
0:05:57 > 0:06:00The school just lets me know what Jess needs to be working on.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02I don't want her falling behind.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03That's good.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I teach her everything, maths, history, English.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Tomorrow we're doing Animal Farm by Orson Welles.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11George Orwell, Mum.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15I tried to read that once, heavy going.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19I don't mind it, it's got a meaning behind it, Russian Revolution and all that.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22And all animals are equal.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24You can really get into it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26It beats watching telly.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29So, how're you feeling?
0:06:31 > 0:06:32All right.
0:06:32 > 0:06:33And how are the pressure sores?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36They still... They're a bit better, aren't they, love?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I cleaned them last night, and this morning, didn't I?
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Right, let's have a look, then, eh?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46And she's been keeping to the diet, haven't you?
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Yeah.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Sores haven't got any better, have they?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Well, they've not got any worse.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Just give it time.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33And my heels have started to crack, too much weight on 'em.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It's just one thing after another.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43They'll end up taking me away, won't they?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48What do you want, Jess?
0:07:48 > 0:07:49I want to stay here with my mum.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54I know I can lose the weight, and now I've got your help.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55I know I can do it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58I just wish people would leave us alone.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Please don't let them take me away.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04Please.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I don't know if I've... A healthy salad.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11If that doctor yesterday could see this, he'd realise how well she eats.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13I didn't like him, I didn't like him at all.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Doctor Tyler?
0:08:15 > 0:08:16I found him very rude.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19He didn't understand what me and Jess are going through, did he?
0:08:19 > 0:08:22I'm sure whatever he said was in Jess's best interest.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23You didn't hear how he talked to me.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I get that from everyone, except you.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27You understand how difficult it is.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30If we didn't have you on our side, we'd have no-one.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33You've got to show social services that you want to change,
0:08:33 > 0:08:39and that's not just about cutting down on food, it's about knowing what types of food to eat.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Take that for instance, it's dripping in calories and fat.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45But it's a salad.
0:08:45 > 0:08:52Yeah, but there's huge pools of mayonnaise, piles of grated cheese and buttered white bread,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54I mean, they're all no-no's, Vanessa.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Everything I do is wrong.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It's all right, Mum, I'm not hungry anyway.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Look what you've done now, you've given her a complex about eating it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04It's not her fault, I'm just not hungry.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08She can't go from having huge plates of food, sweets and crisps,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12to eating a few sticks of celery, it's unrealistic, and she wouldn't be able to stick to it.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32I'm sorry. Having someone come in and examine everything you do, it must be rotten for you.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34I do my best, but I always seem to slip up.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38The main salad was good and healthy.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41And for all I know the cheese and mayonnaise...were low fat...?
0:09:42 > 0:09:45It's the little changes that make a difference.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Jess used to have the social workers standing over her while she ate,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51the dieticians telling her to live on nuts and lentils...
0:09:51 > 0:09:55I don't even know what a lentil is, and I was too embarrassed to ask.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58You should never be embarrassed to ask questions.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Then they put us in some type of Big Brother house.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02We were watched for 24 hours a day.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Like my Jess was some kind of lab rat, a freak! She's not, she's my daughter.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13Vanessa, Jess has to lose weight for health and mobility reasons.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18I know that, and I want her to get healthy and move about, and wear the clothes she wants.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21And everybody thinks I'm a bad mother, but I'm not!
0:10:21 > 0:10:26And if you don't do what they tell you to do, they threaten to take your child away.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33So? Definitely.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35A woman of taste.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Oh, but can I have Persuasion? It's the only one I haven't read.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42It's such a relief to find someone who actually wants to take part.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Resistance from the men?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45They have no imagination.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Well, to quote Ms Austen, "The person, be they gentleman or lady,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53"who does not have pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid."
0:10:53 > 0:10:54Bravo.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Is anyone going to ask me?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Howard, will you please take part?
0:11:03 > 0:11:04I'd love to.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Good man.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07You'll like this one.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09It's got sailors.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13One of the main characters is a naval captain, just like you were.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15So you should have plenty in common.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18I was in the army, Mrs Tembe.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24Both leaders of men! And Captain Wentworth was very young and handsome
0:11:24 > 0:11:26That's where the similarity ends!
0:11:26 > 0:11:28He was also madly in love.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31A woman stole his heart.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32As they do.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Thanks a lot, you've been brilliant.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Well, it is my job.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46When you're here, it really perks her up.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Makes her feel she can change.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49And she can.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Look, I know I don't always get it right, but I do try.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57See you. See you.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It's shame they're not all like her.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Do you think she'll put in a good word for us tomorrow?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19I hope so. She can see that we're trying.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21She's more understanding than the others.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25You must be really hungry, I'll get you something else.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28No, I can't, Mum, I just don't feel like eating.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31It's because you're not used to eating all that rabbit food.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35You shouldn't have told the nurse about your cracked heels.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37Why not?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Cos that's something else they can add to the list.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Another thing they can blame me for.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Right, up you come, love.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46What for?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Your exercises. Now?
0:12:48 > 0:12:49We can't keep putting it off.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I'm too tired.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Come on, Jess, please, love.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Just five minutes, we've got to make a start.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57My legs hurt.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03You've got to move about more, just little by little, and the more you do, the easier it'll get.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05So now you're having a go at me.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10Don't be like that, I'm just trying to... You know how much it hurts me when I stand. I can't help it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13All right, all right.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14We'll start tomorrow.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15Sorry, Mum.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17I will do it...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21..tomorrow... Promise.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41Snap.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Oh? Funny that, you being an Austen fan.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45Why?
0:13:48 > 0:13:49No reason.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54We could test each other on our knowledge, for the readathon.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55Mmm...I don't see why not.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I usually read McNab.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02At least you're making an effort, which is more than can be said for some around here.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Apparently it's got sailors in it.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08Mmm.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13Course it's during the period of the Napoleonic wars. I didn't know she wrote about that stuff.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18Oh, yeah. Well, it's hardly going to be Master And Commander, is it?
0:14:18 > 0:14:20I wouldn't want to get your hopes up.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28What chapter are you on? Howard!
0:14:28 > 0:14:29Sorry.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40These will stop you picking your nose. I don't do that.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41I'm only playing.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Do you fancy a cup of hot chocolate?
0:14:43 > 0:14:46I could do you one with skimmed milk, it won't be fattening then.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48No, ta.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49I still don't feel right.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53I feel sick.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55I'll get you a bowl.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56Maybe you should call the doctor.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00What, and have him come back here, lecturing me again? No way.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04And if we keep phoning up with every ache and pain, they'll be sure to take you away.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08I'll get you a glass of warm milk, that'll settle your tummy.
0:15:17 > 0:15:18Hi.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22I just called on the off chance, the receptionist said you were due back. What do you want?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24We need to talk about the Harding case.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I would've come earlier, but there was a meeting and I just... Is there anywhere private we can talk?
0:15:33 > 0:15:34Jimmi...
0:15:36 > 0:15:38I wonder if you'd be... No.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Go away.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47But Mrs Tembe has thoughtfully cleaned the cover with an antibacterial wipe.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51What's your aversion?
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Are you scared there's going to be too many long words?
0:15:56 > 0:15:57I just don't want to read it.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Big bloomers don't really do that much for me. Then stop wearing them!
0:16:03 > 0:16:04No.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09How's your car, Jimmi?
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Why'd you ask that?
0:16:12 > 0:16:13Oh, no reason.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Just the state of the roads these days!
0:16:17 > 0:16:22There are so many potholes, some are so huge, one could easily get a blow-out.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26And after one got a blow-out, one could so easily then be perceived to be crawling along in one's car.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32And if a police car passed one could so easily think that the police car thought that you were kerb-crawling.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37What's Karen been saying? Karen?
0:16:39 > 0:16:40I wasn't kerb-crawling.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43No, no. That's just a preposterous allegation.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47It was a misunderstanding. I stopped by the kerb to ask this girl where the nearest garage was.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49But she was a... A hooker and I didn't know.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52And then a policeman saw me and got hold of the wrong end of the stick, then he saw the tyre...
0:16:52 > 0:16:57Please, Jimmi, Jimmi, please, there is no need to defend yourself.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I, for one, believe you.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05I've only come back to pick up my stuff and go home.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09I just thought you might like to go over what's going to happen at the hearing tomorrow.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Are you trying to influence what I say? No, of course not.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Just the proceedings and what to expect, that's all.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Any other details would be factual and in the documents you already have.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I hate this part of the job.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22You're not alone, but we have to have them, we've no choice.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Why does it have to be in a magistrate's court?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27It makes everything so formal.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31I agree, but the English jurisdiction system isn't down to me.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34What if they try and twist my words? Why would they do that?
0:17:34 > 0:17:36They want you there so they can find out more about this family,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38to see if Jess is getting the care she needs.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40No-one is there to trip you up...
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Mandy, would you...?
0:17:44 > 0:17:46This is cosy.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47Fleur's here on a case.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53Are you plotting to take another child away from its family?
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Who are you dishing the dirt on this time?
0:17:56 > 0:17:57I'm sorry if you're still upset with me.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I don't get upset, I get angry.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04Zara... No, do you get some kind of warped sense of satisfaction out of breaking up families?
0:18:04 > 0:18:05I'll get going.
0:18:05 > 0:18:06Does the power feel good?
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Fleur?
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Look, we're all tired, and I really haven't got the strength to go another round.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31How about a round of drinks?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Sounds good to me.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Mum, I feel worse.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Do you want to watch a DVD to take your mind off it?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46I need to go to the loo.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48OK, love. Come on, then.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Come on, then, down. You've got to take some of the weight.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52OK, let's...
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Jess...
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Jess! Jess!
0:19:02 > 0:19:04Oh, you wuss!
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Cheers. Yeah, they got me too.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Who did? The Austen Mafia.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12What was it the pincer movement... a bonnet on each side...closing in?
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Nah, Zara. Blackmail.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15Commiserations.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16They're only asking us to read a book!
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Good night, gentlemen. Night. Good night.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24I'll happily give money to the charity, I just don't want to read the damn book.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I did not think for one moment that you would.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30Why not?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Some shy away from her books.
0:19:33 > 0:19:40Miss Austen writes about the emotional needs of women, what they are looking for in a man.
0:19:40 > 0:19:48Any man who reads one of her books will have the emotional key to a woman's desires...
0:19:51 > 0:19:52..her heart.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54Will they?
0:19:55 > 0:19:59He will understand a woman's fundamental yearnings and needs.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04And I get all of this from... from that?
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Knowledge is power.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10I think you said that to me once.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Actually, I'll download it, to my device.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28I just think the best place for Jess is with her mother.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30You've read the files?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Well, I've not read all of them.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Mandy, social services have had a relationship, a close relationship
0:20:37 > 0:20:39with mother and daughter for over two years,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43and the only thing that's changed is Jess's weight.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44It's gone up.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Really?
0:20:45 > 0:20:48When she could go to school, she hardly ever attended.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52She refused to do PE, she said the other kids bullied her...
0:20:53 > 0:20:56And then, to top it all, the school canteen barred her.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58Why?
0:20:58 > 0:21:02It was self-service. Jess didn't know when to stop eating,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06so the school thought it would be in her best interest if she were to have packed lunches.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Right, and that was chocolate, crisps, fizzy drinks.
0:21:09 > 0:21:16Yeah. Her previous doctor also had concerns about medication, and Jess's general health.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Vanessa tries her best.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22But I just don't think she's got a handle on it.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26It sounds harsh, but some people's best just isn't good enough.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29We think Vanessa is the weak link.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Now, Jess needs help and guidance,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36and Vanessa needs to be firm with her, and I don't think she's capable of it.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38So they're running out of chances?
0:21:38 > 0:21:39We've tried everything.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44They've been monitored 24 hours a day, she's seen numerous dieticians,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47joined fitness centres, swimming clubs, we've done it all.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51And Jess is still being abused.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Well, what else would you call it?
0:22:02 > 0:22:03She's in here, Doctor.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Hello? Jess, I'm Dr Carmichael.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10Can you hear me?
0:22:11 > 0:22:13How long has she been like this?
0:22:13 > 0:22:15She said she wasn't feeling well a couple of hours ago.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Why didn't you call the surgery, or better still an ambulance?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20I thought it might be something she'd eaten.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Well, when was the last time she ate?
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Breakfast time, one or two biscuits, that's all.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Ambulance.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Hello, yes.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35This is Dr Carmichael from the Mill Health Centre,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38I have a 14-year-old girl, morbidly obese, acute abdomen.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40She's febrile and tachycardic.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42You give them the address.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Hello, Jess, can you hear me?
0:22:44 > 0:22:47It's 28 Monkly Road. Can you hear me? Can you hear me, Jess? Letherbridge.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Thank you. Bye.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52When was the last time she took her medication?
0:22:53 > 0:22:55You'll be all right, love.
0:22:55 > 0:22:56I'll stay with you.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Mrs Harding, when was the last time you gave her her medication?
0:23:01 > 0:23:04You're just going to the hospital, they'll soon make you better.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Then you can come home.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07She will be all right, won't she?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Some of the kids that go into care end up putting on weight,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16so what's the point in taking that risk with Jess?
0:23:16 > 0:23:19You're right, unfortunately. So why chance it?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Because things can't stay the way they are.
0:23:22 > 0:23:28And if she goes into care, then she won't have her mother to depend on as her feeder...
0:23:29 > 0:23:31..and she'll be encouraged to exercise,
0:23:31 > 0:23:36and both those things will have positive effects on her health, and that's our main concern.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40What's it going to do to Vanessa, having her daughter taken away?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Our duty of care is to Jess.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45I don't know how you do this job.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Luckily it's not like this every day.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53But let's face facts, if Jess's health continues to deteriorate,
0:23:53 > 0:23:57I'll be closing the file, but it'll be for the wrong reason.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03You're in safe hands, Jess.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05The doctor will soon make you better.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Could you give me some room, please? When can she come home?
0:24:11 > 0:24:12JESS CRIES OUT
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Not for some time.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16We're going to need to do some more tests.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22Dr Newport. Hi...
0:24:23 > 0:24:25How is Jess doing?
0:24:25 > 0:24:26Early indication of pancreatitis.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I strongly suspect that the mother hasn't been giving her her medication.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Well, that would account for why she's here, that along with a poor diet,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38but we'll need to do further tests before we know for sure.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41They could hardly get her into the ambulance.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43She's been here a few times.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45This isn't going to go down well at the hearing.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46What hearing?
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Social services. Care order. Tomorrow.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Well, surely that'll be postponed? I don't know...
0:24:51 > 0:24:54but right now, that really is the least of her problems.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Excuse me.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I think she's looking a little better.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Why haven't you been giving Jess her medication?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28It gives her tummy ache, and she doesn't like the taste of it.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31You do realise the importance of a low-cholesterol diet?
0:25:31 > 0:25:32Of course I do,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35but I don't always know what's got cholesterol in it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39It confuses me, and I'd be in the shops for hours if I had to keep looking at every label.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42You stupid, stupid woman!
0:25:42 > 0:25:44You can't talk to me like that!
0:25:44 > 0:25:48Your daughter is suffering from acute pancreatitis, that is a very serious condition.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52The gallstones may have caused a blockage and you not giving her her medication...
0:25:54 > 0:25:56..won't have helped.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Nor the poor diet.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03But she likes her food and I just want her to be happy... I love her, she's all I've got.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I've heard about the hearing.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07They're going to take her away from me, aren't they?
0:26:09 > 0:26:14Mrs Harding, I don't think you understand the seriousness of your daughter's condition.
0:26:14 > 0:26:21If part of the pancreas dies and blood poisoning develops that could lead to organ failure.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Jess could die.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Howard, it's your lucky day. You're with me.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49What do you want?
0:26:49 > 0:26:50Hey!
0:26:52 > 0:26:53She would like things to change.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55It won't happen by taking her away from me.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Mrs Harding, you'll speak only when you're invited to do so.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I'm in business for profit. You're a con man.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04All I'm asking is for the court's permission to have one more try.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05Dr Carmichael.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06Am I too late?
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd