Golders Green foundling David Stevenson traces birth family after 65 years

A man abandoned as a baby in a Golders Green flat in 1960 has traced his birth family after 65 years. David Stevenson, now living in Peterborough, discovered his Dutch-Indonesian heritage through DNA testing and genealogical research, as reported by the BBC.

Stevenson was found as a newborn in the hallway of a block of flats in Golders Green in 1960. The Daily Mail ran an appeal at the time to identify the baby, whom they called the "rainbow baby," and revisited the story in 2009, as reported by the BBC.

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A lifelong search for answers

Stevenson grew up knowing he was a foundling, adopted by the Stevenson family. He told the BBC he only began searching for his origins after having children of his own. His adoption records contained little information about his birth parents.

His wife, Julie Stevenson, a former Peterborough City Councillor, located a police report in the records. The officer who dealt with the case, PC Tegwin Curl, provided details about the day he was found. Julie Stevenson told the BBC, "The police officer said she had never forgotten rescuing David. It was one of the most poignant events in her career."

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DNA testing uncovers family ties

Stevenson’s search gained momentum after he visited the Foundling Museum in 2015 and connected with ITV’s *Long Lost Family* team. DNA testing and genealogical research identified his birth mother, Petra, who was born in the Netherlands in 1940 and worked as an au pair in England.

Julie Stevenson told the BBC Petra became pregnant with David in 1960. It is unclear whether she knew she was pregnant when she arrived in London. She carried the baby to full term and appears to have had support during her pregnancy.

“I think she had made some sort of an arrangement for me to be looked after. But maybe something went wrong with that arrangement which led me to be taken into care. But I have nothing but sympathy for her.”

David Stevenson

Petra died in 2010, but Stevenson has since reconnected with her sister, Maryanne, and cousins in Rotterdam. He described the experience as "hugely rewarding" and said the family had been welcoming. DNA testing also revealed his great-grandmother was Indonesian.

What happens next

Stevenson’s story was featured on ITV’s *Long Lost Family, Born Without Trace* on 15 July 2024. He told the BBC there is still more to uncover about his paternal side. The programme has not announced further investigations.