Claire Johnston, 41
I’ve lived with all sorts of people – sharing with 70 students in an old manor house once, and with people I’ve been in relationships with. I’ve been homeless, too. Now, it’s just me and my son, together in our house.
Gethin was conceived by donor sperm. Initially, it wasn’t something I’d considered, but the more I looked into it, the more I didn’t want to do anything else. I didn’t want to be in a relationship, although I’ve had opportunities; I just wanted a child. I wasn’t getting any younger. It was a very positive decision. It didn’t feel like I had to use a donor; I chose to.
I was excited to have an adventure with another little person. It might seem strange to some, to have a child without that loving couple relationship, but it felt right for me.
I have a boyfriend now, and he and Gethin love each other very much. We talk about where Gethin fits into the world; there will never be a moment of revelation, because we talk about it all the time, in a way that is appropriate for him. He knows he doesn’t have a dad, but he also knows he’s surrounded by love – my parents live locally and we have lots of friends.
There are obvious difficulties in being a single parent, but having Gethin has made me a better person. I’m very lucky indeed.
Gethin Johnston, 3
I love living with Mummy. I like playing with my toys and my new remote control car. In the garden, I like riding my bike. I love the sea.
My favourite book is Dinosaurs In The Supermarket – we read it at bedtime. We play hide and seek. There’s lots of places to hide in our house.
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