Viewers 'heartbroken' as 'inspirational' Ellie Simmonds explores adoption story
The swimming star opened up in the programme Finding My Secret Family
Ellie Simmonds fans were left sobbing as they watched the moment the Paralympian learned that her birth parents were warned she’d be seen as "evil" because of her disability.
The swimming champ – who has achondroplasia, a type of dwarfism – explored her past and how she came to be put up for adoption as a baby in ITV programme Ellie Simmonds: Finding My Secret Family.
One scene sees the gold medallist, 28, shown an outdated information sheet about her condition that was given to her birth mother.
Read more: Ellie Simmonds thanks fans for support after airing of ITV documentary
"Children will have to deal with being stared at and laughed at by other children, indeed there are those with normal height who equate those of short stature with evil and stupidity,” she read.
“Oh, wow. Blinking, Nora. Evil and stupid?” she asked in shock.
Viewers who had tuned in to the programme said it was “heartbreaking” and that Simmonds was an “inspiration”.
“I sobbed with her, what a truly inspirational doc, such a wonderful lady,” one tweeted.
Read more: Ellie Simmonds' birth parents were told she'd be seen as 'evil' because of disability
“What a brave and strong young lady,” said another.
Someone else commented: “I think Ellie Simmonds, you must have had the whole nation in tears... what an emotional story, told beautifully by yourself.
"Thank you so much for letting us in to your life like that.”
“Thank you for sharing with everyone your heartbreaking story,” tweeted another viewer.
“I won't lie it made me cry but I am glad I watched it.”
“Incredibly heartbreaking life story Ellie,” said another fan.
Read more: Ellie Simmonds' birth mother discovered who she was watching Paralympics
“So glad you pushed through all the hurdles life has thrown at you and come out stronger and more determined to be an incredible role model for so many aspiring Paralympians and women.”
As well as winning gold medals at the Paralympics and World Championships, Simmonds received an MBE at 14 and now has an OBE.
Watch: Ellie Simmonds' birth parents were warned she'd be seen as 'evil' because of her disability