More than three decades after Steven Hydes was abandoned in a London airport, he has finally tracked down his birth parents.
In 1986, Hydes was just a 10-day-old newborn wrapped in a shawl when he was discovered in a women's restroom. Nicknamed "Gatwick Gary" by airport personnel, the now-33-year-old Englishman has discovered his biological parents after a long and emotional journey.
After being stymied numerous times during his more than decade-long search, he turned to genetic specialists to help him. Then finally, a breakthrough, reported the Crawley and Horley Observer.
In a statement posted on Hydes' Facebook page, he wrote, "After 15 years of searching I am happy to confirm that with the very hard work of genetic genealogists ... we have been able to trace and confirm my birth family."
But his emotional journey has been bittersweet.
"Unfortunately, my birth mum has passed away so I am unable to find out exactly what happened and why," he wrote. "However, I have found my birth father and siblings on both sides, who were all unaware of my existence."
Adopted by John and Sandra Hydes and renamed Steven, he began his search after turning 18.
Now, a father of two, he's hoping his tale will bring attention to others in similar situations.
"More people are having their DNA tested every day and I hope this and my story can help raise awareness and prevent other babies from being abandoned," said Hydes.
