Robin has since moved in with his biological mum
A man who was switched at birth has admitted that he now resents his mother for not switching him back because he grew up poor.
In February 1989, babies Robin and Gavin were accidentally swapped at Nigel Hospital in Johannesburg.
Robin was raised by single mum Sandy Dawkins who was struggling with money on the outskirts of the city. However, Gavin grew up with a significantly wealthier parent’s Megs Clinton Parker, in Pietermaritzburg.
The mistake was made known two years later when a disagreement over Gavin’s biological father showed that Meg was not his birth mother. Hospital records then confirmed that Robin and Megs’ biological son was growing up with Sandy.
Ultimately, both Megs and Sandy chose to keep the babies they had raised since birth and told 60 Minutes Australia: “You can’t reject a child that you’ve been so close to for two years.
“Initially I think you protect the one you’ve got. The first few days are shock, then the curiosity comes. Where’s my baby?”
The boys grew up 500km apart and yet referred to each other as brothers – however Robin has since shared his feelings over the unintentional baby swap.
At 15, he said he had “difficulty accepting the situation” and admitted that life with Sandy was “not easy”. In contrast, Gavin “gets things easy”.
Robin explained: “If I’ve ever wanted something, I’ve had to work towards it. I’ve never just had it come towards me.”
But Gavin admitted that he did not feel sorry for Robin and also said, “I’m still living and I don’t regret anything.”
Despite both Megs and Sandy having a good relationship initially, Megs ultimately missed Robin and prompted him to move across the country to live with her and Gavin in 2004.
Sandy said: “I just want to know she’s really happy with what she’s achieved.
“I mean she’s ruined people’s lives, there’s just no other way to look at it… she’s ruined mine for starters.”
Related links:
- Molly-Mae responds after outrage over statements on wealth inequality
- Logan Paul realises he spent £2.6m on fake Pokemon cards worth £260
- Judge tells 72-year-old with cancer he should be ‘ashamed’ for not cleaning yard
