“My mother taught me the importance of hard work – and education. She was born in Honduras and wanted better for her own kids. I was the youngest of six – and my mother, also called America, brought us up on her own.

My father, Gregorio, walked out on us when we were kids so it was all down to her. She never took benefits and worked all her life, right up to today.

She would tell me: “No one owes you anything. Work hard for what you get and stand on your own two feet.” She believed if there was something you wanted in life, then work for it. Don’t borrow money and never ask for charity. I was told: “Do well at school. No one can take away a good education.”

So there were strict rules. Always do your homework. Do not miss lessons. Listen in class. She would also examine my school reports and expect the best grades. I always had A grades but they came because of my mother’s rules.

She put the fear of God into us, with no tolerance of drugs, drink or boys. She kept us kids in line.