England

From China to Billericay: one person’s story of cultural identity

In a recently launched podcast, a woman shares her personal experiences and discusses the impact of being a transracial adoptee on her life.

In 2023, Eva Brookes stumbled upon a job posting for emerging podcast producers and audio professionals. With her unique background, she knew exactly what to propose. Born in China in 2000 and raised by a white British family in Essex, Eva's life experiences have significantly influenced her self-perception. Her podcast on BBC Sounds delves into how transracial adoption has shaped her life and understanding of herself.

A woman, a man and a baby look at the camera. The couple are smiling and the baby has a white object in her mouth. The remains of a meal are on the table in front of them along with three cans of Sprite. — Moira and Chris Brookes travelled to China to adopt Eva when she was 13 months old

Eva Brookes' awareness of her racial identity began to take shape when she started attending primary school, marking a turning point in her self-discovery.

Eva was born in China during a time when the one-child policy was in effect, leading to the abandonment of many baby girls. As a newborn, she was discovered at a roadside and subsequently taken to an orphanage.

At 13 months old, Eva was adopted by Moira and Chris Brookes, a couple from Billericay, who had previously adopted a girl from China three years prior. The Brookes family expanded with Eva's arrival, providing her with a loving home.

According to Eva, her mother Moira was inspired to explore adoption in China after reading a newspaper article about the country's decision to open up its adoption process to older applicants. Since adopting within the UK proved challenging due to their age, the couple in their 40s looked to China as a viable option.

A woman in a blue top smiles at the camera. She has short fair hair. A baby wearing a yellow top and a blue bib, being held by the woman, looks at the camera too. — Moira heard about families adopting babies from China and decided to look into the process which resulted in her and her husband adopting two little girls three years apart

A social worker acquainted with the family introduced them to a support network of individuals who had adopted children from China. By attending monthly gatherings, the couple met people who had successfully navigated the adoption process, which gave them confidence that they too could bring a child home.

The adoption process from China was lengthy and involved a significant amount of paperwork and background checks, which typically took between eight months to a year to complete. Once the documents arrived, they had to be translated into English, adding to the complexity of the process.

After completing the necessary procedures, the couple embarked on a journey to China to be united with the child they had been matched with.

According to Eva, the handover process was efficient, with her parents receiving a prompt call upon their arrival at the hotel where they were staying, informing them that their baby was waiting for them in the reception area.

With the adoption process complete, Eva's parents had little time to adjust to their new surroundings before being introduced to their child.

Following their travels, the family returned to the UK, where they established a new routine, visiting various cultural sites and adjusting to life together as a family unit.

In an interview, she reflected on her childhood, stating that she initially felt a sense of belonging within her family, but as she entered primary school, she began to feel a growing awareness of her differences, particularly as a member of a minority group.

Three adults and two children pose for a photo. The adults are a white woman with short fair hair, a white man with dark hair and a goatee beard, and a Chinese woman with short dark hair. The fair haired woman is holding a baby and the man is holding a young child with black hair cut into a bob. — The family visited China again when they adopted Eva, pictured with their older adopted daughter Lara (all pictured with another woman, who is standing)

As Eva matured, she encountered frequent comments from her peers about her appearance, and it became clear to her that these remarks were rooted in her Chinese heritage.

She noted that rejecting her Chinese identity had become a normalized response, making it easier for her to dismiss this aspect of herself.

Eva likened her experience of embracing her Chinese heritage to a painful encounter, saying that it was akin to touching a hot surface, and as a result, she made a conscious effort to distance herself from it.

As Eva entered adulthood, she began to re-examine the aspects of her identity that she had previously set aside, including her decision to focus on her birth mother's potential life experiences in her 2024 dissertation.

Eva recalled feeling an unidentifiable presence, stating, "I sensed something, but lacked the terminology to describe it." She acknowledged that her initial understanding was incomplete, prompting her to explore podcasts about adoption, only to discover a lack of content from the adoptee's point of view.

Eva expressed a desire for a podcast that would delve into the adoptee experience, offering an insider's perspective. When the BBC Sounds Audio Lab job posting emerged, she knew exactly what she wanted to propose, requiring no further consideration.

Eva's family has been supportive of her project, even participating in it, although they cautioned her that it may revive past emotional pain.

A woman with long, straight, dark hair smiles at the camera. She is Chinese and is wearing a light green top and necklace. — Eva's podcast for BBC Sounds looks at how the experience of being a transracial adoptee, born in one culture, raised in another, has shaped her life

Eva acknowledged her family's concerns, saying, "Perhaps they had a point, but I'm prepared to handle it." She views the challenges as an essential part of the process, stating, "The more difficult it becomes, the more impactful it will be, as long as I'm willing to be open and honest about my experiences."

The podcast delves into the complex interplay of political, cultural, and social factors that shaped Eva's experiences, as well as those of countless other Chinese girls.

In effect from 1979 to 2015, China's one-child policy resulted in a significant number of girls being left behind by families who preferred to have a son as their sole child.

Through the podcast's four episodes, Eva reflects on her formative years, education, and family in the UK, while also navigating her connection to her heritage as an adult.

Eva expressed a mix of emotions regarding the podcast's release, stating, "I'm really nervous, but also excited."

For Eva, the podcast presents an opportunity to serve as a representative voice, one that she felt was lacking during her own upbringing, and she noted, "If I can be that voice, it would mean everything."

A production by Reduced Listening, "Made in China" is available through the BBC Sounds Audio Lab.

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Therapy dog Dan brings joy to care home residents

At the age of 84, John Weller found it challenging to settle into his new surroundings at a care home, but his situation improved upon meeting Dan, a golden retriever.

At the age of 84, John Weller faced difficulties adjusting to his new life in a residential home, but his outlook changed with the introduction of Dan, a friendly canine companion.

A golden retriever is standing in front of a man sitting in a chair in a room at a care home. The man is looking down at the dog. A woman is standing next to the man and looking down at the dog and smiling. — John Weller was struggling to adjust to life in a care home and missed canine company until he met Dan the golden retriever

Having recently relocated to a care home in Chorley, Lancashire, Weller deeply missed his beloved pets, Rocky the miniature schnauzer and Jovi the whippet, which he had left behind.

It was observed by the care home staff that regular interactions with Dan, a golden retriever, had a profoundly positive impact on Weller's mood.

According to Weller, spending time with Dan brings him joy, and he appreciates the opportunity to stroke and feed Dan, which reminds him of his own dogs.

Weller keeps photographs of his former pets in his bedroom and often looks at them, but he also eagerly anticipates Dan's visits.

Upon his arrival at Gillibrand Hall Care Home, staff noted that Weller was experiencing a period of low mood, having had to leave behind his familiar routines and previous home.

However, as Weller formed a close bond with Dan, his confidence began to grow, and the care home staff observed that these interactions also brought back fond memories of his time with his own pets.

Dan's owner, Fiona Hill, described the dog as gentle, although occasionally lively, and noted that Dan seems to have an innate ability to respond to the needs of each resident.

The presence of Dan often evokes strong emotional responses from the residents, with some becoming tearful with joy upon his arrival, and he facilitates the sharing of stories about their own pets, which can initially be emotional but often lead to happy conversations and laughter.

As Dan's owner, Hill expressed pride in the comfort and companionship the dog provides, helping residents to open up and form connections.

The care home manager, Kathy Spencer, revealed that Dan had recently been recognized as employee of the month due to the significant positive impact he has had on residents, including Weller.

A golden retriever is sitting on a grassed area carpeted in snowdrop flowers. A woman's hand can just be seen holding his lead. — John Weller says he looks forward to Dan's visits

Spencer noted that Weller's mood and confidence have shown significant improvement since meeting Dan.

For Weller, the experience of pet therapy with Dan extends beyond anxiety reduction, as it allows him to reconnect with his passion for dogs and reminisce about happy memories.

The strong bond between Weller and Dan provides comfort and calm, highlighting the benefits of pet therapy in care home settings.

England

Woman sentenced to prison for murdering and dismembering partner

Anna Podedworna has received a life sentence following her conviction for the murder of Izabela Zablocka.

A woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering her partner and dismembering her body, which was then buried in a garden over 15 years ago.

A mugshot of Anna Podedworna — Anna Podedworna was convicted of murder by a jury on Tuesday

It was in 2025 that Anna Podedworna contacted Derbyshire Police, providing them with information that led to the discovery of Izabela Zablocka's remains in a house on Princes Street, Derby.

Podedworna, a 40-year-old resident of Boyer Street in Derby, had a background as a skilled butcher, but her profession did not prepare her for the severity of the crime she committed; she was found guilty of murder by a jury.

On Wednesday, at Derby Crown Court, Podedworna received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for her role in Izabela Zablocka's murder.

During sentencing, Mrs Justice Williams KC noted that the evidence presented in the trial highlighted the strong family bonds Izabela shared, particularly with her mother, grandmother, and daughter Kasia.

Izabela maintained regular contact with her family in Poland, but her disappearance was marked by an uncharacteristic silence, particularly when she failed to call her daughter on her 10th birthday, 4 September 2010.

The judge emphasized that Podedworna's actions had a profound impact on Kasia, who was left without a mother and struggled to understand her sudden disappearance.

The judge acknowledged the perseverance of Izabela's family, who never gave up hope of uncovering the truth behind her disappearance, and noted that without their efforts, Podedworna's crimes may have gone undetected.

Podedworna showed no remorse for her actions, and the judge rejected the idea that she deserved credit for eventually contacting the police in 2025, as this was seen as an attempt to manipulate the investigation.

Readers are warned that this article contains distressing details.

A woman sat on a sofa in a denim-like jacket. — Izabela Zablocka was described in court as a loving mother who was "extremely close" to her family back in Poland

The two women had moved to the UK from Poland in search of work and lived together in the Normanton area of Derby.

The last known contact with Izabela was a phone call to her mother in Poland on 28 August 2010, after which she was never heard from again.

According to prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC, shortly after this call, Podedworna murdered Izabela, dismembering her body with a large knife.

Investigators discovered that Podedworna had previously worked as a skilled butcher, a job that involved using large knives to debone and portion turkey carcasses.

The body was then buried in the garden, and a layer of concrete was laid over the grave.

In 2025, Kasia, now an adult, approached Polish TV journalist Rafal Zalewski and asked for his help in investigating her mother's disappearance.

A crime scene in place in Princes Street where two tents have been erected — Zablocka's body was buried in the garden of a house in Princes Street

Zalewski confronted Podedworna at her home in Boyer Street, Derby, but she initially denied any knowledge of Izabela's whereabouts.

However, under mounting pressure, Podedworna eventually contacted Derbyshire Police and provided them with the location of the body.

A thorough search of the Princes Street property led to the discovery of Izabela's remains.

In a statement read out in court, Kasia described the traumatic impact of her mother's disappearance on her life.

Izabela looks at her daughter, Kasia. — Izabela's daughter Kasia, now an adult, told the court through a victim impact statement she had been haunted throughout her childhood wondering where her mother was

Kasia recalled being extremely close to her mother and feeling devastated by her sudden and unexplained disappearance.

The experience left a deep emotional scar, and Kasia struggled to cope with the uncertainty surrounding her mother's disappearance.

For years, she wondered why her mother had stopped contacting her, feeling abandoned and unsure of what had happened.

Instead of enjoying her childhood, Kasia was preoccupied with thoughts of her mother and the reasons behind her disappearance.

Despite the uncertainty, Kasia always believed that her mother would not have left her without a reason.

Podedworna claimed to have acted in self-defence, but this was rejected by both the jury and the judge.

Clive Stockwell KC, representing Podedworna, suggested that some unknown event must have triggered her actions, given her previously good character.

Stockwell also highlighted the impact of the sentence on Podedworna's children, who would have to spend a significant part of their lives without their mother.

However, Mrs Justice Williams emphasized that Podedworna's brutal treatment of Izabela's body was consistent with a killing motivated by anger and a deep-seated dislike for her partner.

The judge noted that Podedworna had continued to deceive those around her, including Izabela's mother, her own mother, and the police, about the circumstances of Izabela's disappearance.

This pattern of deception continued over the years, with Podedworna showing no remorse for her actions.

England

Reform leader resigns amid council investigation into racism allegations

Councillor Chris Large has stepped down from his position as leader of the Staffordshire Reform group, a move that comes shortly after his initial appointment.

An investigation is underway into allegations of racism against a former Reform councillor in Staffordshire, who recently resigned from their position as group leader just days after being appointed.

Chris Large is standing in front of the county council building, he is wearing a suit and tie and smiling at the camera. — Councillor Chris Large stepped down from his leadership and cabinet responsibilities last week, saying it was due to a family bereavement

Documents obtained by the BBC reveal that the council has referred a complaint regarding councillor Chris Large, a former cabinet member, who allegedly made or endorsed racist comments on his TikTok account, as evidenced by confidential emails.

Due to the complexity and severity of the allegations, the council has assigned an Independent Investigating Officer to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Councillor Large has denied any involvement in the comments, attributing them to a hacked account, and stated that there were unauthorized logins, resulting in the account's deletion.

Large's resignation as leader and cabinet member for finance was announced last week, citing a family bereavement as the reason for his decision to step down.

This resignation occurred shortly after he oversaw the approval of Staffordshire County Council's £840.8m budget for 2026-27.

Large was slated to succeed councillor Ian Cooper, who had previously resigned amidst allegations of racism, which Cooper has not publicly denied.

At the time of Large's appointment, his party highlighted his extensive experience as a chief executive in the finance and banking industry, spanning over 30 years, as well as his 35-year residency in the county.

According to records from Companies House, Large has been listed as the director of 12 companies over the past 20 years, all of which are currently dissolved.

These companies also list France as Large's country of residence.

Large explained to the BBC that his involvement with the dissolved companies was related to his role in transforming and turning around businesses.

He stated that the closure of some businesses led to the creation of new ones, highlighting the positive outcomes of his work.

In response to Large's resignation, Philip White, the Conservative leader of the opposition, expressed sympathy for Large's family situation while also criticizing his appointment as leader.

White stated that Large's involvement in the racism scandal that led to Ian Cooper's resignation made him an unsuitable candidate for the leadership position.

White emphasized the need for stability in Staffordshire, given the recent turnover of leaders, and hoped that the Reform party could find a suitable replacement from their ranks.

Martin Murray, the acting leader of the county council, had previously thanked Large for his contributions and expressed support for his decision to resign, citing the importance of prioritizing family.

Murray's statement reflected the council's understanding of the personal circumstances that led to Large's resignation.

The Reform UK party has stated that it will not be taking any action against Large regarding the complaints about his social media activity.

The positions of cabinet member for finance and elected leader of the Reform group remain vacant, awaiting new appointments.

A council spokesperson explained that the authority takes all concerns about the conduct of elected members seriously and will address them in accordance with the council's Standards Complaints process and Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, council members are scheduled to meet and vote on the proposed budget, which includes a 3.99% council tax increase, on February 12.