Debtors refusing to pay

I have lent money a couple of years ago and two people gave me both each guarantee of cheques. Four years passed and non of them paid me. I have struggled so much. And many things I could not pay and went only higher and higher. I am in many debts. I don't work as a single mother due to health problems. And my child is 2 years at home because I can't pay her school. If the people pay me each the amounts of the cheques do I have the right to keep the money because I have a court case against them. I have waisted a lot of time and effort going to police stations and court in the past 4 years.