An unsolved death of an unidentified woman in Bolton and the extraordinary reunion between a mother and son separated for half a century are at the centre of a new BBC investigative podcast
The Forgotten Dead. follows Matthew, who first contacted BBC journalist and presenter Jane Wilkinson during the previous series after hearing her investigation into the body of an unidentified woman discovered in a Bolton cellar in 1982.
The woman, known only as “Mary Ellen”, had never been identified. Matthew had lived for decades with the unanswered question of what had happened to his own mother, who disappeared from Bolton in 1974 leaving her three young sons in the care of relatives. He was just three years old at the time.
Growing up, he had no memory of his mum and little understanding of why she had gone. For years, the family rarely spoke about her. Convinced the unidentified woman could be his mother, he turned to the Forgotten Dead team for help.
The investigation eventually confirmed that the cellar victim was not Matthew’s mum. But the podcast became a catalyst for a much wider search.
Wilkinson stayed in touch with Matthew as he tried to piece together what had happened to his mother. Then came an unexpected development when she was found – and she was alive.
The new episode tells the story of their reunion and, for the first time, features Matthew’s mother speaking publicly about what happened. Her story is one of violence, guilt and survival, but also one of forgiveness and reconciliation. To protect the family’s privacy, Matthew’s mum and his brothers are not being named.
Jane Wilkinson, presenter of The Forgotten Dead, says: “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.
“I’ve had the privilege of having a front seat to that reunion. And, in a small way, of even helping to make it happen. I’m so grateful to Matthew and his mum for allowing me in.”
Chris Burns, Head of Local Audio Commissioning, says: “This is storytelling at its most human. Matthew’s reunion with his mum is incredibly moving and gives a voice to people, who might otherwise never be heard.”
The episode is available on BBC Sounds as part of BBC Local’s investigative podcast The Forgotten Dead, which explores unresolved cases and the stories of people affected by them.
