I WAS interested to read the letter headlined My Grandson Has Been Dumped By His Callous Father (April 19) because I did the same eight years ago when he was only a few months old.

I realise now what I and my family missed out on. I pay towards his keep but money doesn't buy love or all the missed birthdays, Christmases or special occasions in his life.

Now he doesn't know me and doesn't want to be part of my life.

I'm now married with stepchildren and although I can be their stepfather I'm not their blood father.

When I'm with them I wish my son were there too - something I will have to live with for the rest of my life and the guilt eats away at me.

My parents and I wish time could be reversed.

DARREN, Lordswood, Southampton.