Access to records has also been challenging for Steve and Lambert. <\/p>\n
Both welcomed the approach by the Diocese of Carlisle, which previously apologised for Judith’s treatment at St Monica’s and opened its archives for investigation.<\/p>\n
But Lambert is still restricted from accessing key documents held by other agencies which he believes could provide further key evidence about Judith’s case.<\/p>\n
The Church of England said in January it was planning to apologise for its role in the forced adoption scandal. <\/p>\n
There have been repeated calls on the UK government to issue an apology for the state’s role in forced adoption.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Diocese of Carlisle said it recognised the bravery of Steve Hindley and his “vital work in ensuring victims’ and survivors’ voices are not lost”. <\/p>\n
It said “each child and mother at St Monica’s deserved the utmost care” and added “cruel or incompetent practices should have been prevented”.<\/p>\n
“Any behaviour which countered this was reprehensible,” it concluded.<\/p>\n
Steve, who has recently turned 80, feels he has achieved what he set out to do.<\/p>\n
“I feel a sense of massive relief because I’ve been banging my head against a brick wall for decades”, he says. <\/p>\n
“I’m feeling I’ve fulfilled my mission, and I’m beginning to relax. Because I know Judy, if she’s looking down now, will know that she wasn’t worthless, she wasn’t wicked.<\/p>\n
“I believe she’s had justice delivered and people now know what happened to her.”<\/p>\n
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC’s Action Line<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Cumbria on X, external<\/a>, Facebook, external<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram, external<\/a>.<\/p>\n