Woman finds long-lost half-brother through LinkedIn search
A woman in Wales has reunited with her half-brother after identifying him on a social media platform. The pair used video calls to reconnect before meeting in person.
Amalgamated from Times of India (opens in new tab), The Sun (opens in new tab), The Mirror (opens in new tab)
Gill Thompson, a 73-year-old resident of Wales, has been reunited with her half-brother, Michael Bardsley, following an investigation using the professional networking site LinkedIn. The reunion follows several years of separation between the two siblings.
Initial discovery
The search began after Ms. Thompson received a Christmas card from her father, Colin Bardsley, which alerted her to his existence. She later encountered a man with the same surname while participating in a bowls tournament. This encounter prompted her to investigate potential relatives sharing the name.
Investigation and confirmation
Ms. Thompson and her daughter conducted research on LinkedIn to identify individuals who might be related. According to reports from The Mirror, they identified Mr. Bardsley’s account by recognizing his facial features as being consistent with their family traits. Following this identification, the two siblings began communicating through a series of video calls.
Meeting in Wales
The online communication eventually led to an in-person meeting. Reports from the Times of India and The Sun state that Mr. Bardsley traveled to Wales to meet Ms. Thompson. This visit allowed the pair to connect personally after many years apart.
Why this matters
The story highlights how digital platforms, while primarily intended for professional networking, can be utilized as tools for personal connection and family reunification. It illustrates a growing trend of using online search capabilities to bridge gaps in family history.
What's confirmed / what isn't
All primary facts, including the identity of the siblings, the use of LinkedIn as the search tool, and the subsequent meeting in Wales, are confirmed by multiple news outlets. The specific detail regarding the identification of his facial features is reported by The Mirror.
Background
LinkedIn is a business-oriented social media platform used primarily for career development and professional networking. It maintains a large global user base that includes both professionals and individuals seeking to connect with former colleagues or acquaintances.