David Stevenson, a 65-year-old man who was abandoned as a baby in a London apartment block in 1960, received devastating news during the first episode of the new series of Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace on ITV (August 3). After a 30-year search, DNA tests identified his birth mother as Petra, but she had passed away in 2010. Despite this setback, David met his aunt Marianne and cousins Bart, Saskia, and Jan in Rotterdam, forming new family bonds.
A Startling Discovery in Golders Green
David's story began in 1960 when he was discovered wrapped in colorful knitted clothes inside a locked apartment block at West Heath Court in Golders Green, London. He was only a few days old and had been left outside a flat on the second floor, not in the foyer or porch. He was cold but well-fed, suggesting care in his abandonment. The police interviewed the building's residents, but no leads emerged, and David was eventually fostered and adopted by the Stevenson family, growing up in nearby Edgware.
Throughout his life, David often returned to West Heath Court, describing it as "part of my identity." He told the Mirror: "This place is part of me, part of my identity, no question. This is where my story starts, so coming back here is an emotional thing, there's no doubt about it."
The Search for Answers
After 30 years of searching, the show's research team, led by Ariel Bruce, uncovered a strong connection to a Dutch family. Two members, including a woman named Marianne, agreed to take DNA tests, which ultimately identified David's mother as Petra. However, Petra had died in 2010.
Host Davina McCall revealed that David was told the news away from the cameras: "We've told David away from the cameras that his mother has passed away." When Davina visited David at his home, she asked, "I know you got some difficult news last night. How have you been?" David replied, "It's a shame because it closed an avenue that might have been open to me. I hope today to answer some questions that have been present my entire life."
An Emotional Reunion in Rotterdam
Despite the sad news, David traveled to Rotterdam to meet his aunt Marianne, Petra's sister, and cousins Bart, Saskia, and Jan. The meeting was emotional, and David expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about his mother. "One of the most rewarding things is hearing them talk about [Petra] and it's helped me form an idea of her character," he shared.
Ongoing Connection and World Cup Support
At the end of the episode, viewers learned that David and his new Dutch family remain in regular contact. In a lighthearted note, it was revealed that David supports both England and the Netherlands in the World Cup, reflecting his dual heritage. The episode highlighted the complexities of foundling stories, where answers can bring both joy and sorrow.
Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace is available to stream on ITVX.
