Alistair Dalgliesh, a 62-year-old man fighting stage four lung cancer and learning more about his biological family. After a lifetime of separation, this reconnection fills him with happiness and purpose. In 2021, Alistair learned that he had a biological sister, Jess. Here’s how one social worker and Facebook were essential in sharing this life-changing news with him. As he begins a new intensive form of chemotherapy treatment, this touching reunion lets him know that he’s not fighting this battle alone.
Alistair, who was born in Kent in September 1962. His birth family migrated to Australia when he was only three years old as Ten Pound Poms. He was finally adopted by Marjorie and Ken, a general practitioner, who renamed him Alistair with great affection. Alistair’s original biological mother, Ann, hid his very existence in life. She only admitted the truth to Jess right before she died.
Alistair is preparing to meet his extended biological family in Norfolk this October. Having this event in his life is especially poignant for him and Jess, given all the health challenges he’s experiencing.
“I just wanted to support him. It was a magical time. He is the most loving person – he gave me a kiss and a hug every morning and night, and the whole family embraced me,” Jess shared about their initial interactions.
Jess’s journey to find her lost brother was motivated by both an urgent desire to join with him. “From the moment I found out, I was determined to find my older brother,” she recalled. The pair of siblings have developed an inseparable connection. This is why they both appreciate the urgency to create lasting memories together.
My only sadness is that I never had a chance to say it back to her. That’s all I wanted to do—reassure them that it’s alright and they need to stop worrying about me. Alistair’s tribute to his late mother contains some deeply moving thoughts on his relationship with her. He added, “That made me realize that I still meant a lot to her.”
Alistair’s health condition introduces an unexpected emotional depth to their long-awaited reunion. I am heartbroken for her and I feel robbed of ever knowing Alistair longer. We’re going to use every minute of the time we have left!” exclaimed Jess. She talked about the importance of being intentional with their time together, now more than ever.
Even with the challenges he must navigate, Alistair has an affable gratefulness towards his life and upbringing. “I had such a great upbringing with amazing parents, and I feel very lucky,” he said, acknowledging the love and support from his adoptive family while embracing the new connections he has made.
As they look forward to their family reunion in Norfolk, both siblings brim with excitement and optimism. Jess reflected on their relationship, stating, “That was an incredible moment for me,” highlighting the joy of finding Alistair after years of searching.
