Support grows for mum who fled to Spain

IPSWICH: Messages of support have poured in for a young mum who fled to Spain in a fight to keep her child.

Yesterday, the Evening Star revealed that 21-year-old Megan Coote was forced to flee the country after social services threatened to take her baby away.

Following a string of assessments, Megan was deemed as being incapable of looking after her baby after social services expressed concerns that the child could possibly be “emotionally neglected” in the future.

The young mum, who suffers from mild learning difficulties and has problems showing emotion, moved to Alicante, Spain, with her mother on February 7, giving birth to Olivia Rose just a week later.

More than 2,800 people from around the world have joined a social networking group in support of Miss Coote, who previously attended Thurleston High School and lived in Kesgrave.

Hundreds of messages of love and support have been left on the group page, which has been titled 'The Megan Coote Quest'.

Vicky Marsh, of Waldringfield, said: “I wish you all the luck in the world in getting your family back together.

“Megan is a good mum to beautiful Olivia, she has such a great family and friend support network - Suffolk Social Services should see this and give her a chance.”

Amy Victoria Parsons wrote: “I went to college with Megan, she is as capable as we are. She's brilliant and from the pictures she idolises that little girl.”

Tania Brooks, of Ipswich, voiced her opinions on the Star website.

She said: “It is obvious after reading this that Megan has the love and support of a good family behind her.”

Simon White, director of children and young people's services at Suffolk County Council, said: “In all cases children's services work hard to support parents and families so that children can remain in their own families.”