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My Name Is Why

Episode 4

Duration: 14 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW

Lemn Sissay reads from his frank memoir about growing up in Britain's care system. Today, Lemn is 16 and revelations about his identity come to light after years of questions, mixed emotions follow.

Lemn Sissay is an award winning writer, and was the official poet for the 2012 Olympics. He was awarded an MBE for services to literature and has worked tirelessly is supporting children in care.

My Name is Why is his courageous account of a childhood spent in a foster family and followed by six years in Britain's institutional care system during the 1970s and 1980s. Interwoven with documents from his social work file, Lemn uncovers answers to questions that he has been asking since he left care aged 17. Truths are uncovered that reveal Lemn's story to be one of triumph over adversity.

Read by Lemn Sissay, Shaun Mason, Greg Jones, Nahel Tzegai and Sean Baker.
Abridged by Julian Wilkinson
Produced by Elizabeth Allard Show less

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