The baby abandoned in a toilet: Manchester woman’s quest to find her birth family

A new BBC One documentary is to tell the story of a woman who was abandoned as a baby at just a few hours old.

Leah, 26, made national headlines when she was found on top of a toilet cistern at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.

With no knowledge of her birth mother, despite an extensive police investigation at the time of her discovery, Leah has struggled with her identity for as long as she can remember.

But now, a mother herself, she is more determined than ever to search for answers about her origins.

What is the programme about?

The new film, made by Leah’s adoptive cousin, filmmaker Carla Wright, BBC series Our Lives follows Leah on her journey to discover where she came from and what happened 26 years ago.

With no known facts about her start in life, Carla hopes that DNA databases could take her one step closer to finding her birth family.

Leah said: “I’ve had a very loved-filled life. But there was always something that was not quite there.

“Not knowing the basic facts of where you came from, does have a knock on effect on everything else. I’m at the point where I have to get the answers.”

When is it on air?

Filmed over three years, the cousins hope to solve the twenty-seven year mystery and embark upon an emotional journey, uncovering painful truths as they try to piece together the start of her story and answer the questions Leah has had all of her life.

Director Carla Wright said: “As her cousin, I’ve known about Leah’s story since childhood. She’s always wanted to find out where she came from and I’ve always wanted to help her. It’s been a true privilege to make this film, and to be alongside Leah, as some of her lifelong questions were finally answered.”

Our Lives - Finding My Family is commissioned by BBC England and filmed and directed by Carla Wright, produced by Candour Productions for BBC One, and airs on Monday 11 October 7.30pm.