Father Michael Seed and Noel Botham - Nobodys Child

I have known Michael for a good number of years now, and he never ceases to amaze me. My son, Chris, is also a friend, and on many occasions we have all shared a drink, and humorous stories together, over meals in our favourite Soho restaurants.

Hes a great friend if one is needed, and a good listener, with a compassion and fair mindedness that puts most people to shame.

Hes also a wonderful priest and very good company. Michael, as my old mum used to say, could make a cat laugh. He has a great humour that brings to his story the human element which is missing from so many other tragic biographies.

His love for his mother, and his belief that somewhere, and at some time, a life would eventually beckon which would help him overcome all the ills that had befallen him, made me feel a new vigour for my own life and troubles.

I read this manuscript with some trepidation, because after all, this was the awful story of his private life, talking about things he had previously only hinted at in our conversations.

However, after sitting mesmerised for half the night, my feelings were mainly of deep sorrow, and a deeper sadness that someones life should be so blighted by the very people who were supposed to love him, cherish him and mature him.

My most overwhelming emotion though, was one of complete and utter admiration, for a man who could overcome such an upbringing, and instead of using it as an excuse for the sorry state of his life, could overcome it, to such an extent, and make other peoples lives better. Michael can reach inside himself, and take his own experiences and use them to understand the plight of others.

This book is not an easy read, but it has one thing so many of these tragic biographies often lack. There is no self pity and no Oh why me?

Rather he seems to have accepted it all as part of a greater plan.

Read this story and weep, knowing that every word is true, but expect, as I did to feel a connection with this sad child, who knew, deep in his heart, there was something better waiting for him, and who ultimately found it by giving himself over to a higher authority, and by dedicating his life to people less fortunate than himself.

Michael is a lovely man and a wonderful friend. He is kindness itself, and has a gentleness that brings out the best in people.

I hope you read this and feel a difference in your own life, as I did in mine. Because no matter what happens to him he finds a way to overcome it and make some good come out of it. Thats something we can all understand at some time in our own lives

Father Michael Seed is a rare and remarkable man, whose life story is far more incredible than any bestselling novel.

Michael mixes with prime ministers and ordinary folk and treats us all with the same kindness, warmth and wisdom that have won him so many friends from all walks of life.

His story is an inspiration to us all, and in particular for anyone who feels life has been hard on them, for Michael has overcome obstacles that would have put off a battle-hardened marine let alone a normal mortal.

But, above all, what shines through in this book is Michaels faith which has sustained him through so many troubles on a journey that will keep you turning the pages, and in the end you can only wonder what else is in store for this man who can best be described as the Good Samaritan.

Michael Seed was the priest who converted me to Catholicism and received me into the Church in the midst of a media circus which turned the normally quiet, dignified Westminster Cathedral into a veritable bedlam. Life was not the same for either of us thereafter.

In the 20 years since we first met, I have got to know Michael well, not only as a priest but also as a close friend. He is humorous, kind and a very dedicated friar but, from time to time, he has dropped hints of a time when life was bleak and those of us who know him know also that his childhood was scarred by a suicide. Nothing could have prepared me for the real story which is truly scandalous in the number of adults who passed by on the other side while an innocent child fell victim to bullies and perverts.

That Michael emerged clever, sensitive, kind and sane is a genuine miracle and we should all thank God for this mans resurrection from hell. Read on and wonder