Paul Gascoigne "saved" his sister's life when the aftermath of her son's tragic death caused her to hit rock bottom.
Anna, 54, lost her son Jay five years ago due to an accidental overdose triggered by 'Pure OCD', a rare disorder where he was overwhelmed with intrusive thoughts.
Jay was just 22 when he passed away, leaving the lives of his mum and sister Harley, now 25,in tatters.
Shortly afterwards, her and Paul's dad John, 72, was diagnosed with cancer.
So much loss in a short time meant Anna considered taking her own life - but thanks to her devoted family, she was pulled back from the brink.
She explained that despite suffering from his own addiction problems and demons, it was Paul who stepped in to help her get back on her feet.
She told The Sun : "Paul has spoken of his own battles and I was suicidal after Jay died. Paul and our mum pulled me back from the brink."
Jay was the youngest child in the UK to prescribed antidepressant Prozac when he was just 12.
But over the years he struggled to deal with the debilitating thoughts, with Anna claiming it was so bad that he would believe that she or his sister would die if he blinked, and became afraid of drinking water or leaving his room.
In desperation, he began self-medicating with drugs he bought online, which eventually led to his tragic overdose.
She has since set up a charity in his memory, and big-hearted Paul - who saw the lad as a son - has vowed to win Italian version of I'm A Celeb, L’Isola Dei Famosi (Celebrity Island), so he can give the Jay Gascoigne Foundation his winnings - a vital cash injection.
Anna said: “Paul is doing this show because helping others battle mental health problems is close to our family’s hearts and that’s why he became an ambassador of my son’s charity, with Denise Welch.
“I’m so proud and we were in tears when he rang and said he will try to win for the Jay Gascoigne Foundation, to help others.
"Mental health problems have had a profound impact on our family."
So far Paul has delighted campmates and viewers with his practical jokes and dodgy Italian - but caused outrage after announcing he liked pineapple on pizza.
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
