Thursday, 8 May 2008

Bianca Gascoigne: I pray for my stepdad Gazza

Reality TV star says she's 'powerless' to help troubled ex footballer Paul Gascoigne

Bianca Gascoigne hopes Gazza can pull through

Bianca Gascoigne has released an emotional statement paying tribute to her former stepfather Paul Gascoigne.

The footie legend is receiving psychiatric treatment at the Priory for alcoholism and depression after allegedly trying to commit suicide at a hotel last weekend.

Bianca, 21, whose mum Sheryl was married to Gazza from 1996 to 1998, says she fears there’s nothing more they can do for him.

Paul, 40, was sectioned in February following a mental breakdown. It was thought he was recovering from his troubles until this latest incident.

‘Over the last few months we have done everything in our power to try and get my dad through this hard time,’ she says in a statement released to the Daily Mail.

‘In this time I have rebuilt bridges with him and spent a lot of time talking to him on the phone. I really thought that he was getting better, but at the weekend he took a turn for the worse.

‘I have learnt that my dad is seriously ill and it is something we are powerless to control or to help with. We can be there to support him as a family but I sincerely hope the rehab staff are able to help him on his road to recovery. We pray that he will overcome his troubles.’