Britain’s oldest mother is selfish and needs help

Jun 7 2009 by Colin Patterson, Sunday Sun

A FEW months ago I commented on this page about my dislike for women who think it’s their right to have a baby.

Those women who think it’s what they deserve by virtue of their sexuality.

And we’ve seen the greatest example of it in recent days. Britain’s oldest mother Elizabeth Adeney who has given birth at the grand age of 66. Notice I don’t say old. But she does qualify for a free bus pass and is way past it when it comes to the question of motherhood.

Last week we were treated to a disturbing picture of her taking her son home from hospital in Cambridge. The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but all I felt was extreme sorrow for this little bundle. This is a child conceived after fertility treatment who has no genetic links to his so-called mother.

The maths is frightening. Mrs Adeney will be 80 when her child is barely into his teenage years. She might have already passed away.

I would like to know when, if at all, she ever paused to consider the ramifications for her child.

If reality had pricked her for one second she might not have forged ahead with her crazy obsession.

I can only compare it to a child in a sweet shop, whining: “I want, I want, I want . . . and if I keep going on about rhubarb and custards for long enough then maybe mum will buy them me.”

Don’t misunderstand me – it must be dreadful for any woman who is unable to conceive and spends years fervently hoping, to no avail – but sometimes you need to throw in the towel. Life doesn’t always go as we planned.

In Mrs Adeney’s case, 20 years of unsuccessfully trying for a baby should have given her a clue.

And here’s the other bit I don’t understand - if you’re so consumed with longing to have a child, then why hire a live-in nanny when you finally get your wish?

In Mrs Adeney’s case, perhaps it’s because she is not up to the physical challenge of motherhood.

Her little boy Jolyon, meanwhile, will grow into an energetic youngster who won’t appreciate the bullying when his elderly mother turns up at the school gates, walking stick in tow.

Elizabeth Adeney is a wonderful example of human selfishness. I wish her little boy health and happiness. I wish his mother would see a therapist.