Growing up as part of a family is something that most people take for granted.

But for Susan Buxton, who was fostered when she was just a few months old, it was a precious gift.

Now, Mrs Buxton is appealing for help in tracing the family who cared for her throughout her childhood.

The 61-year-old lost contact with her foster family when she moved away from Derby in 1960.

Then, her name was Gwendoline Beryl Ludworth, but after a difficult marriage break-up she changed it by deed poll in 1973.

As a baby she was originally taken into care by a family called Beard, with whom she lived in Walbrook Road, Derby, until she was seven.

She was then fostered by Elsie Griffiths and her family who also lived in Walbrook Road, where she remained until she was 20.

Sadly, her foster mother, Elsie Griffiths, died in 1968. But Mrs Buxton is hoping to be reunited with her foster brother Barry Griffiths, who will now be aged about 60.

"Elsie taught me more or less everything I know," said Mrs Buxton. "She ran a boarding house and taught me to cook, clean, shop and generally be responsible.

"I learned to love her very much and thought of her as my own mum. When I received a letter from Barry to tell me she had died I felt heart-broken. But I had just had a baby and it was difficult for me to go to the funeral.

"That was the last time I had contact with Barry, as I misplaced the letter which had his address on. I never even found out how my foster mum died."

Mrs Buxton says she is desperate to trace her foster brother to get reacquainted and find out where her foster mother is buried.

She would also like to trace Mrs Griffiths' daughter, Audrey Griffiths, and her eldest son, Leonard Griffiths, who moved out of the family home before she moved in.

"Sometimes I feel like I didn't have a childhood because I have no photographs of my life before moving away from Derby," she said. "I want to get some of those memories back by meeting up with my foster family again."

Anyone who can help Mrs Buxton should call Krista Beighton at the Derby Evening Telegraph on Derby 291111 extension 6502.

Used courtesy of the Derby Evening Telegraph