In 2021, Roy David’s life changed forever after he was reunited with daughter Cheryl, whom he hadn't seen for over 50 years. The then 87-year-old is the oldest ever searcher on ITV’s Long Lost Family.
In the second episode of the new series of Long Lost Family: What Happened Next? The team caught up with Roy as he was preparing to spend his 89th birthday with Cheryl, who lives in New York. But as he was packing for his trip to the US, he shared some heart-breaking news.
"It may be the last time I see my daughter," Roy revealed as he disclosed that he'd been diagnosed with glaucoma, adding: "Who knows? The next time I may have to feel their faces." For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter here.
Born in Guyana, South America, Roy spent his life in the merchant navy. In the 1950s, at the age of 19, he arrived in New York and met Cheryl's mum, student nurse Sylvia.
After Sylvia became pregnant with Cheryl, Roy married her and moved in with her mother. However, he was soon kicked out of the home due to rising tensions following his long spells at sea.
For five years he would visit his daughter, until, one day, his family "disappeared into thin air," forcing Roy to settle in England. He later married his wife Itha, who he's been with for over 40 years.
Upon hearing news of Roy’s diagnosis, viewers took to social media to share their sadness. One person wrote: "I don't know why I put myself through the trauma of watching #LongLostFamily, gets me every time I balled my eyes out when I first saw Roy's story and it's got me again."
A second added: "#longlostfamily Aww, that sweet old man and his daughter and son. So lovely. God bless them."
And a third said: "Well, That certainly cleared my sinuses! It’s so emotional watching long lost family. Amazing how they change peoples lives."
The end of the episode saw Cheryl reunite with her father for his 89th birthday. Speaking of the visit she said: “This trip has been a little different as it’ll probably be his last trip to the States, what with him being up there in age and losing his eyesight.”
At the party, Roy described how it was the “happiest birthday [he] ever spent”.
Long Lost Family: What Happened Next? is available to watch on ITVX.
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