"To Say I Was Astonished is an Understatement"
MyHeritage User Stories - David Bullock
When he began tracing his roots, David, a graphic designer, never imagined the roller coaster of emotions that lay before him.
Over a period of just nine months he discovered his biological mother, half-siblings, and dozens of new relatives.
His extensive research revealed another exciting detail: he is a descendant of prominent figures in British history, including the military hero Admiral Horatio Nelson and William the Conqueror. . .
When he began tracing his roots, David, a graphic designer, never imagined the roller coaster of emotions that lay before him.
Over a period of just nine months he discovered his biological mother, half-siblings, and dozens of new relatives.
His extensive research revealed another exciting detail: he is a descendant of prominent figures in British history, including the military hero Admiral Horatio Nelson and William the Conqueror. . .
Born in London in 1963 to an art students who were not yet ready to be parents, David was adopted at just six weeks old.
He always knew he was adopted, but had very little information about his biological parents.
On a whim, he ordered his birth certificate to find out more about his past.
He found his biological mother’s name was on it and, fortunately, her surname is unique.
“Her name was Ray Vanda Style. I searched for her online and, within hours, I found her marriage certificate and address. Her family tree was also online.”
He always knew he was adopted, but had very little information about his biological parents.
On a whim, he ordered his birth certificate to find out more about his past.
He found his biological mother’s name was on it and, fortunately, her surname is unique.
“Her name was Ray Vanda Style. I searched for her online and, within hours, I found her marriage certificate and address. Her family tree was also online.”
David was overwhelmed with emotion.
He sat down immediately and sent an email to his biological mother, thanking her for giving him a chance for a better life. He wrote that he would like to meet her but understood if she decided, at this point in her life, to decline meeting him.
A few days later, he received an email from his biological mother explaining that she would love to meet but she would like to talk on the phone first.
Just one week after locating his birth certificate, David found himself speaking on the phone to his biological mother.
“It was surreal and normal at the same time; we talked as if we’ve known each other for many years.”
He sat down immediately and sent an email to his biological mother, thanking her for giving him a chance for a better life. He wrote that he would like to meet her but understood if she decided, at this point in her life, to decline meeting him.
A few days later, he received an email from his biological mother explaining that she would love to meet but she would like to talk on the phone first.
Just one week after locating his birth certificate, David found himself speaking on the phone to his biological mother.
“It was surreal and normal at the same time; we talked as if we’ve known each other for many years.”
That weekend, David went to Plymouth to meet his biological mother and her son — David’s half-brother — for the first time.
He also managed to trace his biological father who had lived in London, but to his dismay, he had died in 1998.
David was also pleased to connect with his half-sister, Lily Style, who already knew about their famous family lineage.
They have since joined forces, sharing their research to gather more information about the family.
That weekend, David went to Plymouth to meet his biological mother and her son — David’s half-brother — for the first time.
He also managed to trace his biological father who had lived in London, but to his dismay, he had died in 1998.
David was also pleased to connect with his half-sister, Lily Style, who already knew about their famous family lineage.
They have since joined forces, sharing their research to gather more information about the family.
“As an adopted child, I always fantasized about exotic family connections but, as I got older, I realized that I had to break free from fantasies and accept reality.
Today, I can say that my fantasy has become reality.
I discovered my biological family, and also that I had very well-respected and famous family members.
Today, I can say that my fantasy has become reality.
I discovered my biological family, and also that I had very well-respected and famous family members.
David Bullock & Admiral Horatio Nelson
I am David Bullock, a descendant of Lord Nelson. It is an amazing feeling.”