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The Forgotten Child

The powerful true story of a boy abandoned as a baby and left to die

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The Forgotten Child

By: Richard Gallear
Narrated by: Mark Elstob
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Based on a true story, The Forgotten Child is a heart-breaking memoir of an abandoned newborn baby left to die, his tempestuous upbringing, and how he came through the other side.

It’s a freezing winter’s night in 1954. A baby boy, a few hours old, is left by his mother, wrapped in nothing but two sheets of newspaper and hidden amongst the undergrowth by a canal bank. An hour later, a late-shift postman is walking wearily home when he hears a faint cry. He finds the newspaper parcel and discovers the newborn, white-cold and whimpering, inside.

After being rushed to hospital and against all odds, the baby survives. He’s baptised by the hospital chaplain as Richard.
Everything feels as though it’s looking up; Richard is put into local authority care and regains his health. However, after nearly five blissful years in a rural care home filled with loving friends, it soon unfolds that his turbulent start in life is only the beginning…

Based on a devastating true story, this inspirational memoir follows Richard’s traumatic birth, abusive childhood, and search for the truth.

Abductions, Kidnapping & Missing Persons Abuse Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Child Abuse Dysfunctional Families Dysfunctional Relationships Parenting & Families Relationships True Crime Emotionally Gripping Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

‘An incredible story of survival.’ The Sun
All stars
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emotional story of one mans struggle through life, the only love he ever felt was from his adopted mum, who's love and care for him was controlled by her husband. a story of courage, strength and determination.

emotional story

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Such a sad story , Once you start to listen it’s difficult to turn off as you want to know how Richard survives his daily life

Brilliantly read

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What a journey Richard :( what a painful childhood you had, its so very sad.

Great listen

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loved this book once I started listening could stop till I knew the end

loved it

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A great but very sad story, it makes you wonder how cruel people can be.
Wishing Richard love and kindness for the rest of his day's.

Heartbreaking

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