Your Family DNA Searcher

19/08/2026

Many people have been kind enough to donate to my charity of choice, the Institute of Cancer Research, when I’ve helped them to identify birth parents/ grandparents.

The ICR sent me a letter this week, together with a postcard, asking for it to be sent back with words of encouragement for their researchers, which I have gladly done.

The money raised so far is just over £3,000. Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/anna-lamplough-1715791130388

Help Anna Lamplough raise money to support The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)

18/08/2026

Because some people have said they don’t understand how to filter their DNA matches on Ancestry, I’ve made a short video.

12/08/2026

I am often asked if I can find an adopted half sibling using DNA results.

The short answer is, only if that half sibling or their children / grandchildren have taken a DNA test with the same brand of testing kit.

Sometimes you can strike lucky but my advice is to test with as many websites as you can, and some are free to upload your raw DNA from Ancestry.

** Photo shows my two dogs who are definitely not half siblings 🐕‍🦺 **

02/08/2026

What happens if Ancestry DNA matches don’t lead to identifying a birth father / grandfather or whoever you’re searching for?

You can download raw DNA from Ancestry if you’ve tested with them, and upload to other DNA websites for free.

It used to be free to upload raw DNA to the My Heritage site but now you have to pay. Their DNA testing kits are on offer at the moment so it’s worth considering testing there too.
Please get in touch if you need instructions.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19GmiSfiQK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Ends Soon

01/08/2026

My Heritage DNA kits are on sale at the moment. I always say to start with an Ancestry kit as the database is larger, but if you don’t get enough useful matches on Ancestry, it’s worth trying My Heritage.

21/07/2026

The DNA Slayers - Free DNA Search Angels

**AN EXCITING COLLABORATION **

I am now working in collaboration with the two ladies who are The DNA Slayers.

They help in searching for family born in the U.S. or Canada or for anyone born to a U.S. or Canadian military parent, whereas I concentrate on UK and Irish searches, as well as searches for people living in Australia and New Zealand.

If you’ve taken a DNA test and are looking for help in identifying a US or Canadian parent or grandparent, please get in touch with these ladies as they are very experienced 🧬

21/05/2026

Yesterday it was lovely to be reminded of what a difference my DNA family research means to people.

I’ve heard it often…..
…. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders
…. I now feel that I have an identity
…. This has changed my life.

It’s sometimes hard to comprehend how it must feel to have never had a name for your father, or even your mother, or sadly either parent because you were abandoned at birth.

Yesterday was a big boost for me because we all need to feel appreciated sometimes.

27/04/2026

FINAL UPDATE ON MY FOUNDLING CASE

After many ups and downs, the story has an ending…..or hopefully it’s just beginning.

The ‘Foundling’ came to me for help over two years ago but as I got closer to identifying his parents he made the decision to put the search on hold.

Happily, a few months ago, he asked me to carry on and I eventually identified both his birth parents.

Sadly his birth father passed a few years ago but his 85 year old birth mother is still alive and I managed to track her down.

This weekend I am over the moon to say that he met up with his two half brothers on his father’s side and with his birth mother. It’s life changing for him and a pretty momentous achievement for me too.

Miracles do happen 😇

10/03/2026

UPDATE contact had been made 🩷

The Foundling Case

A few people have asked for an update after I posted the letter to the potential birth mother a couple of weeks ago.

Sadly, but unsurprisingly, I’ve not had a response, so today I posted off a follow up letter for which a signature of receipt is required. Hopefully she’ll receive it as kindly as it is intended but we’ll see how she reacts.

Watch this space.

24/02/2026

Excellent news for The Institute of Cancer Research.

My DNA research has now raised over £3,000 for the ICR, including gift aid, so thanks to everyone who has donated 🙏🏻

🎉🥳Today, Their Majesties The King and Queen honoured the ICR with the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education.

We are so proud to be recognised for our sustained, world-leading contributions to radiotherapy research and education.

This award celebrates more than a century of innovation that has transformed radiotherapy into a highly precise, personalised treatment used worldwide.

ICR’s Chief Executive, Professor Kristian Helin, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.

♥️Thank you to our community whose dedication and commitment continues to drive our mission to defeat cancer.

Thank you to our partners at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation for working alongside us on groundbreaking research.