BBC News: Boy abducted by mother finds work and renewed purpose
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Alex Batty's new life after abduction
By Dan Wareing, North West
Published 1 hour ago
Alex Batty, who disappeared for six years after being abducted by his mother as a child, shares his story of finding work and a renewed "sense of purpose."
Batty, from Oldham, was reported missing by his grandmother in 2017 when he was just 11 years old. His mother, Melanie, had taken him from Spain to France, where they lived off-grid under the influence of conspiracy theories.
After years of isolation, Batty was discovered in December 2023 in the Pyrenees by a delivery driver. He returned to Oldham with his legal guardian, grandmother Susan Caruana, but struggled to find employment for an extended period.
"I've been used to having a job because I started working young," he said. "So, when I couldn't find one, it didn't feel right."
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, Batty revealed his experiences as one of 981,000 youth aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training. Daniel Carolan, a manager at SUEZ UK, heard the interview and reached out to offer him a job.
Three months later, Batty is now employed at a waste management site, providing financial security for his young family. "It gives us security," he added. "I know I can provide for my family."
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