“Supermum” to rescue

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 6

“Supermum” to rescue

(N.Z.P.A-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, July 13. A young mother of three has volunteered to adopt seven brothers, orphaned on Friday for the second time in their young lives, the “Daily Mail” reported.

The seven Seeney brothers, from the back streets of industrial Birmingham, lost their parents in 1969. For a year they lived in different foster homes and oiphanages; then last year a middle-aged couple brought them together again and took them to live on a 184-acre farm in Cornwall.

But their new-found happiness ended last Friday when their foster mother, Mrs Eileen Simcock, aged 49, died suddenly of a heart attack aid welfare officials said that the family might have to split up. The foster-father, Mr Joe Simcock, could not look after them by himself. To the rescue has come “supermum,” Mrs Anne Holmes, aged 25, who not only has offered to adopt the children but also give up her home and live on the farm at Cornwall.

Her husband, John, a 26-

year-old chef, was Mrs Star cock’s son by a previous marriage. The couple have two sons and a daughter of their own.

Their decision to look after the Seeney children has ended a crisis for both the brothers and Mr Simcock.

“I could not bear to part with the boys—they are like my own sons,” Mr Simcock said. “They are so happy down on the farm they are determined not to go back to the city. "My wife worked wonders with them in 12 months. She changed them from rough little tykes into well-man-

nered, lovable little boys. “Anne is a good mother to her own children, and I’m sure will carry on where Eileen left off.” “We feel as younger parents we can give them a full childhood,” said Mr and Mrs Holmes. The Seeney brothers range in age from five to 13.