

Assume Nothing
BBC Radio Ulster
The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 8, 2026 • 13min
8. The Long Shadow
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 7, 2026 • 11min
7. Nuclear Family
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 7, 2026 • 11min
6. Protest Song
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 7, 2026 • 12min
5. Emotional Hand Grenade
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 7, 2026 • 10min
4. The Others
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 7, 2026 • 14min
3. Fall Out
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 4, 2026 • 12min
2. Kin
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 4, 2026 • 13min
1. First Exposure
A baby is born with disabilities in the wake of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. She grows up neglected and in fear in an orphanage in Belarus, until she is taken on a radiation holiday to Ireland. A new life with hope and possibility unfolds before her. But the mystery of what happened in her early life has cast a shadow over her life. And she’s determined to solve it.

Apr 4, 2026 • 14min
5. The Rhythm
The story of a 35 year old nursing assistant who collapsed and died following an altercation with a patient at a psychiatric hospital in Northern Ireland.35 years later, her family is still searching for answers.Episode 5: The RhythmAs Norman’s legal battle comes to an end, could something the family was unaware of provide new answers?With the benefit of modern knowledge, a group of leading experts re-examine the case.Series produced by Nathan Edgar
Executive editor Andy Martin
A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Apr 4, 2026 • 12min
4. The Warnings
The story of a 35 year old nursing assistant who collapsed and died following an altercation with a patient at a psychiatric hospital in Northern Ireland.
35 years later, her family is still searching for answers.Episode 4: The WarningsWhen the official inquest fails to reach a conclusion regarding Mary’s death, Norman refuses to give up.As he continues his legal battle, Norman points to allegations of previous attacks on his wife while on duty - was enough being done to protect both staff and patients on the ward?Readings by:Lucy McConnell
Patrick Strain
Francis Harkin
Declan RodgersSeries produced by Nathan EdgarExecutive editor Andy MartinA BBC Northern Ireland Production


