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Episode details

Radio Manchester,11 Mar 2026,36 mins

Bonus: ‘I had to run’- A Mother’s Story

The Forgotten Dead

Available for over a year

Sharing what happened next with Matthew, whose mother disappeared from home 50 years ago. In his search for answers, Matthew turned to podcast presenter Jane Wilkinson and her investigation into the partially mummified remains of 'Mary Ellen', who was found in a Bolton house cellar in 1982. In a previous episode we've learnt that Matthew's mother wasn't 'Mary Ellen' and that his mother was alive. Jane discovers how he found her, what she ran from and whether mother and son could ever be reconciled. Producer and presenter: Jane Wilkinson. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. This episode contains descriptions of violence and suicide, for help and support visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.

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