The Forgotten Child

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

By: Richard Gallear

Narrated by: Mark Elstob

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.

Critic reviews

‘An incredible story of survival.’ The Sun

So Good

Heartbreaking yet inspiring. the narrator was absolutely amazing. Thank you Richard for sharing your story.

heartbreaking and heartwarming

He tells this so straightforward and in such a way that he's always seemed older than his years. I couldn't stop listening and I'm so glad Richard wrote his story and wound up okay and living a wonderful life.

excellent & captivating

there was suspense and intrigue.
hoe s child over came neglect, then abuse and still became a caring and successful man all primarily on his own.

Heart rendering story

What an amazing story of an abandon boy, life in an orphanage, adoption and finding his place in the world. Tears and heartache that produced a loving, kind man. A story not to be forgotten.

This was such an amazing story !

I loved this book , sad but also happy at small moments . The ending was fitting . I have a great appreciation for the author of this one ! It is a must listen !