A new episode of the BBC Local podcast The Forgotten Dead shares the moment a son discovered his missing mother was still alive.
Matthew featured in a previous series when he contacted BBC journalist and presenter Jane Wilkinson. He had heard about her investigation into an unidentified woman discovered in a Bolton cellar in 1982 and wondered if the victim might be his mother.
Matthew had lived for decades with unanswered questions after his mum disappeared from Bolton in 1974. She left behind three young sons, with Matthew only three years old at the time.
With no memories of his mother and little discussion within the family about her disappearance, Matthew approached the podcast team believing the unidentified woman known as Mary Ellen could be her.
Jane investigated the possibility during the earlier series and confirmed the cellar victim was not Matthew’s mum. However, the podcast prompted him to continue searching for answers.
Jane stayed in touch as Matthew tried to rebuild the missing parts of his family history. The search eventually led to an unexpected breakthrough when he received a call confirming his mother had been found and was alive.
The new episode follows their reunion and includes the first time Matthew’s mother has spoken publicly about what happened after she disappeared.
Her story explores years shaped by violence, guilt and survival, as well as the emotional impact of reconnecting with family after half a century apart. To protect their privacy, Matthew’s mother and his brothers are not being named.
Jane Wilkinson said: “This is an amazing story. What we thought was going to be a tragedy, the sad ending to a 50-year-old mystery has turned into a story of hope and forgiveness. A true reconciliation between a mother and son.”
The Forgotten Dead is produced by BBC Local and available on BBC Sounds.
