Mum sets up group to find "lost" children

Freda McGarth of Darlington reluctantly gave her daughter up for adoption in the 1960s.

In 1998 she decided to try and trace her baby and was soon reunited with daughter Jane Hodge who only lived down the road in Hartlepool.

The couple have regained a close relationship and Freda is now eager to help other people find their birth parents or be reunited with their children.

Freda said: "I did not have a clue where my daughter would be or how to find her.

"I contacted social services and they got in touch with the adoption agency, Durham Family Welfare.

"Once my papers were found it was quite easy for them to get in touch with Jane, who was happy to meet me."

Freda now wants to help other people who are in a similar situation as her and Jane.

In conjunction with social service in Durham, Freda and a group of other women with similar experiences, are setting up a support group for adopted people.

Anyone looking for a loved one who was adopted can visit the group for advice or support as can people searching for their birth families.

Freda and the other volunteers already work for Durham Family Welfare and have experience of talking to people involved in adoption.

Freda said: "As well as our voluntary work, we all have our own experiences which can help us support other families.

"We can't actively look for anyone but we can give contacts of groups that could help as well as just being there to talk to people making the big decision to find someone."

The first meeting of group will be on October 31 at the Dolphin Centre and Freda is looking for sponsorship to help fund further monthly meetings.

She said: "The Government do not pay for this sort of work and so we are looking for donations from individuals and businesses.

"We will be holding raffles at the first meeting to try to raise some money for leaflets and things."

Anyone is welcome to attend the first meeting betweeen 1pm and 4pm at the Dolphin Centre.