'We've never known what happened to stillborn son'

Lin and Eddie Bruchez, pictured with their daughter, Joanne, were told to "go home and forget about it" after their son Paul Edmond Bruchez was stillborn in August 1975

A family who have spent 20 years trying to find out what happened to their stillborn son have said an apology would help them come to terms with their loss.

Lin and Eddie Bruchez were told to "go home and forget about it" after their son Paul Edmond Bruchez was stillborn in August 1975.

The couple, from Liverpool, told BBC Radio Merseyside they wanted a place to lay flowers and to remember him and they hoped to be able to meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting in their bid to find answers.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said what happened to the Bruchez family was "appalling" and that it was working "to make sure nothing like this happens again".

After their son was stillborn, Lin and Eddie Bruchez, from Gateacre, said they were sent home with no support put in place.

Mrs Bruchez, 78, said she was unable to leave the house for two years afterwards and she only started counselling earlier this summer.

The couple said their son would have been 50 on 15 August this year and on that day they came together for a meal and to wish him a happy birthday.

The couple's older daughter Joanne Bruchez-Corbett, who has been trying to find out what happened to her brother for the past 20 years, said they wanted recognition after her parents "had gone 50 years not knowing anything".

She said her family now "don't know where to turn" but they wanted to at least find out where her brother might be and to have "somewhere they can go or put some flowers down and remember" him.

"It's just so raw, even now, and they've still got no closure," she said.

Mrs Bruchez said: "I thought I was unique but it's happened to loads of people."

"I'd just like to know where he went," she said, adding: "I just want an apology for the way I was treated".

Mr Bruchez, 78, said he hoped to get answers and "hope that this doesn't happen to other people".

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he would be willing to meet affected families.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Our hearts go out to all those affected and we recognise the immense pain and distress this has caused."

They spokesman added the government was working hard to transform maternity services so every parent received the high quality, compassionate care they deserved.