A grandfather who spent his first three years hidden in an attic before growing up in a notorious home for Birmingham boys has revealed his extraordinary story of survival in a new memoir.
Patrick “Paddy” Fox, 75, tells his life story in Six Hail Marys and a Bag of Chips. The book, which took two years to write, follows his journey from secrecy and neglect to a loving family. Its title reflects some of his most evocative memories.
Paddy was one of thousands of children cared for by Father Hudson’s Homes, a Catholic organisation that looked after vulnerable youngsters in Birmingham and the surrounding area during the 1950s and 60s. In 1998, priest, Father Eric Taylor was jailed for seven years for 18 counts of sexual assault of boys at the home. He died in prison in 2001.
In his book, Paddy recalls pushing Father Taylor away. This comes after he had already become a victim to abuse...
