IN reply to your story headlined 'Donna's Warning' (LET, January 3), having a baby myself at only 15 years old I feel that I have come out on top, despite all the nasty comments, family arguments and the pain.

People told me that life wouldn't be my own and that I would have to grow up quickly. I don't see how having a baby should stop your life completely.

Since having my baby nearly a year ago my life has changed for the better, but I must add that sometimes things have got too much and I thought about giving everything up for a life of freedom. The reason I chose to continue was for my baby. I knew she needed me and I needed her too.

I continued my education at the St Thomas' Centre and I achieved 10 GCSE grades, eight of which were B/C grade. I am now currently on a Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration working for the council.

I am a single mum and things couldn't be better. I have a strong bond with my baby and a family that will support me no matter what I do. Even though the rate of teenage pregnancies is increasing rapidly, some of us do want to do well and provide for our children..

I'm not saying that every teenager should go and have a baby. All I'm saying is that for a teenage girl to have a baby is looked on as shameful, but it doesn't have to be if you still achieve your goals in life.

GEMMA BENNETT, St Aidans Avenue, Mill Hill, Blackburn.