Siblings who had thought their mother was dead for nearly 60 years are hoping to reunite with her in American next month – and a Spalding man is helping raise money to get them there.
When Margaret Inglis disappeared in 1961, her five children thought their mother, who suffered physical abuse at the hands of their father, was dead.
Margaret had actually moved to Huntingdon, and two years later went to America with her new partner and child.
Now, almost 60 years later, she’s back in touch with the Inglis children.
It’s now hoped a reunion can take place in Arizona, where she lives, during Thanksgiving week.
In the hope of reuniting the family, Julian Wheeler – partner of Margaret’s daughter, Lizzie Oliver, is doing a triathlon to raise money towards the flights fund.
Mr Wheeler (57) is a regular swimmer but will be pushing himself with the running and cycling sections of the feat, admitting: “I never cycle or run in the gym.”
On October 25, Mr Wheeler will undergo a 1.2km swim, a 6.5km run and a 16km cycle ride, all at the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding.
Mr Wheeler said: “Because the timescale is so short, there’s not been much time for fundraising so putting together this triathlon quickly will push me and get sponsorship.”
He added: “Their mother is now 86 and although sprightly, the years are catching up, so time is not on their side and this may be the only opportunity they have to hold their mum, give her a hug and tell her they love her.”
The British siblings have learned they also have four American half-siblings, who they will meet for the first time.
Mr Wheeler said a charity football match is currently in the works, with details to be confirmed next week.
To sponsor the triathlon, pick up a form at the Castle Sports Complex or email [email protected]
To donate directly to the fund, visit the gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-reunite-a-lost-family-after-58-years
