Little Gypsy: A Life of Freedom, A Time of Secrets - Brossura

Roxy Freeman is a freelance journalist based in Brighton. Her writing has appeared in various publications including the Guardian, Daily Mail, You magazine and the Brighton Argus. She specialises in writing about food and Gypsy folklore and experience.

I knew it wasn't right, what went on in that van, but I didn't know how wrong it was or how to stop it.
Born in 1979, Roxy Freeman grew up travelling around Ireland and England in a horse-drawn wagon with her mother and father and six siblings. Life was harsh but it was a childhood of freedom spent in harmony with nature. Roxy didn't know her times-tables but she could milk a goat, ride a horse and cook dinner on an open fire before she was ten.
But when the family came to England, they faced prejudice and hostility and Roxy started receiving the unwelcome attentions of a family friend known as 'Uncle Tony', which she endured in secret for many years. Then, one day, she told the police about Tony and a manhunt ensued for the man newspapers dubbed 'Britain's most-wanted paedophile'. Despite all of her difficulties, Roxy developed a passion for music and her dancing skills took her around the world. This beautifully written story is a frank portrait of an extraordinary life, and a unique insight into the lives of girls born into traveller communities.