Emmerdale's Jay Kontzle 'owes grandparents everything' after mum's death at 4

ok.co.uk:

Emmerdale actor Jay Kontzle, who said he owes his grandparents everything, is backing a campaign to better support kinship carers to receive “the recognition they deserve”.

The 32-year-old, who plays Billy Fletcher in ITV’s Emmerdale, was brought up by his grandparents following the death of his mother when he was four years old.

As part of a charity campaign, he is urging people to sign a petition calling on the government to better support kinship carers.

Jay, who is an ambassador for the Kinship charity, said: “I owe my grandparents everything.They raised me and looked after me through thick and thin. “They gave me a purpose and a sense of belonging but they never received any recognition or support for what they did and the sacrifices they made. “I’m backing Kinship’s campaign because kinship carers should be supported to bring up their own flesh and blood, not penalised.” The actor, who is married with two children, features in a campaign video, explaining his wish for people to understand how important kinship love is.