I was five days old when I was taken from my mother by the social worker. She was inconsolable. She managed to dress me and share a last few precious moments holding her baby and then I was spirited away to a new life. What woman wouldn't be utterly distraught? However; she knew it was for the best and would mean a better future for both of us. She was very courageous. She had made sure I was going to a happy, stable home full of love and on that score, all her dreams came true. The day I was adopted by my mum and dad, Frank and Shelia Campbell, was the day I won the lottery.
They gave me everything. They even gave me a big sister. She was five! I found a loving family environment and I had parents who were the envy of many of my friends. Parents who gave me the strongest foundations in life. They helped make me who I am, allowed me to be that person -to many a radio listeners regret!
I have just written a book about my adoption and the long journey tracing my biological mother and father but the key to that sometimes painful process has been the key to the door of our family home. For it was within those four walls that my real mum and dad were. The proudest person at the party to launch the book was mum. Dad is dead now but I thought about him all night. My sister Fiona was there - brimming with sisterly pride. Still five years older than me. Always five years older.
I was so lucky. So many little children aren't. More adopters are needed desperately. I know there are thousands of Frank and Shelias out there. Take your chance to give a child the greatest day of his or her life - the day that child joins your family.
Nicky Campbell
Having cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats last year and raised money for a worthy cause, I realised I could do it. A challenge yes but others benefitted more. Driven by the pain and suffering of a close personal friend I realised I could "Give Something Back". As long as I am able to do, I will continue.
There I was sitting on a deserted beach in the Western Highlands last summer when the Father of the child and the other Godfather came along and sat next to me. We lit a fire of driftwood to keep the midges at bay. A bottle of whisky was offered and I thought it rude to refuse.
