For further information:
Louise Zayed
Senior Press Officer
Tel: +353 1 419 3428
louise.zayed@tv3.ie
Kevin Shore
Press Officer
Tel: +353 1 419 3387
kevin.shore@virginmedia.ie
publicity@tv3.ie
TV3 GROUP RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday 16th June, 2015.
Fatal tragedy strikes couple in second episode of ‘Adoption Stories’ on TV3.
The impact of adoption is highlighted through the testimonies of those who experienced it first-hand.
In Episode 2, we meet Martha who tragically lost her husband, Kevin, to cancer shortly after adopting their second child.
Martha was devastated, not only by the loss of Kevin but from being left with two young children to bring up on her own.
We also meet Siobhan who found out that her biological mother was a married woman who had used a false name on the adoption files.
‘Adoption Stories’ episode 2 airs this Thursday (18th June) at 8.30pm on TV3.
Video link and interviews are available on request.
The hugely successful documentary series Adoption Stories, produced by Flawless Films for TV3, returns for a brand new third season, looking at how so many Irish families have been affected by adoption. From adult adoptees searching for their roots to natural parents living without their child, the impact of adoption is highlighted through the testimony of those who experienced it first-hand.
Veiled in secrecy for decades, the files of adopted people are closed and they are not entitled to any information about their birth. Similarly, natural mothers signed a contract never to try to contact their child, but how just is this law in the Ireland of today? Trafficking and illegal activities have been proven, so why has no organisation been prosecuted? Is inter-country adoption still a realistic option for couples when it takes so long and so few countries are open to them?
This highly emotive programme tackles the contentious issues, but at its heart is the true effect of breaking the indescribable, natural, primal bond between mother and child.
In the second episode of the series, we meet Martha from Clondalkin in Dublin, who was working as a substitute teacher when she first met the love of her life Kevin. They got married in 1994 and thought about starting a family but following many failed attempts at trying to conceive naturally and through IVF, they were faced with the reality that they may never fall pregnant so started the adoption process. It was long and stressful but ultimately a good experience. Eventually they adopted baby Leo from Russia and he came to them Ireland in 2007.
Head over heels in love with Leo, they decided to start the adoption process again, in order to get a sibling from Russia for him. On a family holiday before the arrival of their new baby, Kevin, who was coeliac, wasn't well on the trip but they simply put it down to the food prep where it could have been contaminated with gluten. However, Kevin didn't get any better when they got home. He was diagnosed with cancer but his team said it was operable and with a maximum of six month's chemo, he would be completely clear.
The operation went really well but the months of chemo was taking its toll on Kevin. He was very weak but as a big part of the adoption process in Russia involves both parents being present, he travelled abroad with Martha regardless where the adoption of baby Sergei was completed. Kevin felt so bad that he decided to go off chemo. He went back to his medical team for an assessment and was told the cancer was back and he only had a matter of months to live. Tragically Kevin passed away three weeks later. Martha was devastated, not only by the loss of Kevin but from being left with two young children to bring up on her own..
The programme also meets Siobhan, one of three adopted children who grew up in Rathfarnham, Dublin. Siobhan, who is now living in Knocklyon, was very happy in her family and didn't really have much interest in finding her natural mother, apart from being fascinated at the idea that she could be related to someone she'd pass in the street. When she had her own children and they were growing up, she thought she should find out more about her roots, and particularly any potential health issues.
Siobhan found it extremely difficult to track down her biological mum and subsequently found out that it was because she had used a false name on the adoption files. However the Adoption Authority of Ireland did have a record of her birth mother’s real name so said they would write to her discreetly. The response from the woman was quick and brutal - she had never used a false name, never had a baby in Newry, her identity had been stolen and they were not to contact her again.
It subsequently transpired that Siobhan’s birth mother was a married woman who gave a false name and said she was single in a mother and baby home in Newry, although her husband was in fact Siobhan’s biological father. Siobhan was shocked, angry and hurt at this revelation. Why did they give her up for adoption when they were married, and it was against the law? Why did her mother deny who she was for so long? Why were they not welcoming her into their large family and introducing her to her full siblings? Siobhan wrote to the Adoption Authority asking how this could have happened, but received a response saying they didn't notice anything untoward at the time of her adoption.
‘Adoption Stories’ episode 2 airs this Thursday (18th June) at 8.30pm on TV3.
Images have been sent to your picture desks & are available on request.
ENDS
For further information
Sharon McHugh – Head of Press & Publicity – 087 922 4143
Ciara Byrne – Press Officer – 01 419 3329/087 319 9732
Jean O’Donovan – Press & Publicity Assistant – 01 419 3428
Follow TV3
Follow us on Twitter: @TV3Ireland
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TVThreeIreland
Follow us on Youtube: www.youtube.com/TV3Group
Virgin Media Television launches its Spring TV Schedule
Monday 23rd, 17:13pm
The World TV Premiere of ?Cardboard Gangsters?, Brand New Christmas Specials and Family Movie Fav
Wednesday 13th, 15:52pm
TV3 announces presentation team and panel for its coverage of the NatWest Six Nations 2018
Tuesday 12th, 16:49pm
?Quote Devil Insurance? Renews Sponsorship of Virgin Media Television Weather
Monday 15th, 17:15pm
TV3 Group to rebrand as Virgin Media Television
Thursday 28th, 13:10pm
Virgin Media and TV3 secure rights to all UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches
Tuesday 15th, 11:12am