The unmarried mother

Sheila Tofield

Aged 17, Sheila was left heartbroken when her fiance broke off their engagement. A year later, having fallen pregnant to an older man, she found herself in a Church of England home for unmarried mothers, expected to give up her child for adoption. But despite being ostracised by her family, neighbours and colleagues, Sheila chose to do the unthinkable - to bring up her baby on her own.