I AM writing to you about your Christmas Eve story, "Reunited with the mum he never knew".

I have read similar stories over the years, and each time I am enraged and disgusted.

The use of the terms "real mum" and "adoptive mum" are totally inappropriate.

I too am adopted, and would never dream of thinking of the family who adopted me as anything other than my REAL family.

My birth mother and father may have created me, but my real mother is the one who always has been, and continues to be, there for me and my children.

My mum and dad took me in, loved me, cared for me, provided for me. My sister is no less my sister because we don't share the same blood.

Anyone can plant a seed, but it has to be nurtured in order to survive and grow.

Don't get me wrong, I have respect for my birth mother. Without her and the decision she made I wouldn't be where I am now, but my real mother made me who I am.

The name on my original birth certificate is not me, and in my opinion William Ryan changing his name is disrespectful to his real parents.

We put too much importance in our society on where we came from, and not enough on making the most of who we are and what we have now.

Miss V Mottram

Church Street

Little Lever