Letter: Can Anyone Help Me Contact Debbie?

Published on: 1 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 3 Apr, 2026

Debbie

From Rob McCabe

I am writing from Australia in the hope that your readers might help me solve a 55-year mystery that briefly crossed paths again just last month.

I hope the attached image of Debbie in 1969 may help readers who may be able to identify her.

On Friday, February 27, I was travelling on the train from London Waterloo towards Guildford. I spotted a woman I am certain is an old friend, Debbie, whom I haven’t seen since 1969/70.

Unfortunately, I had to alight at Surbiton as I was on the wrong train for Walton-on-Thames, while she continued on towards Guildford, and I missed the chance to speak to her.

Debbie and I knew each other in London in 1969. At the time, she had a flat in Notting Hill and worked as a nurse at a major London hospital. I believe she originally came from Market Harborough or Loughborough and would now be approximately 75 or 76 years old. Her maiden name may have been Clarke.

After five decades of living in Australia, seeing her on that train was a remarkable coincidence and an incredible stroke of luck. I would dearly love to reconnect and catch up on where life has taken her since our time in London.

If “Debbie” recognizes this story, or if any readers believe they know her, I would be so grateful if they could get in touch via the newspaper or contact me directly at rob@mcbooks.com.au.

Share This Post