Separated siblings united at last | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

For the first time in more than 70 years, Bill Evans and his brother Ted have laid eyes on their little sister.

Lil Brooks, 77, flew into Christchurch from London late last week - and straight into the arms of brothers she never knew she had until a year ago.

The emotional scene at Christchurch International Airport was the realisation of a dream for the Evans brothers.

"It was really great. For me, I'm at peace," said Bill Evans, 84.

"I was very emotional. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," said Mrs Brooks.

Ted Evans was also "over the moon", Bill Evans said.

"He bounced around like a big ball. I've never seen my younger brother so happy."

Bill and Ted Evans and their three now deceased brothers, spent much of their adult lives wondering what happened to their sister, who was separated from the family weeks after her birth in London's East End.

The brothers, four of whom migrated to New Zealand in the 1950s, didn't know if the baby had survived World War 2, or even her name.

The family home, along with every family photo and record, was destroyed in 1940 during the London Blitz.

But the breakthrough came in late 2008.

A relative from England visiting Mr Evans and his wife, June, was travelling with a friend, who did research into family genealogies.

When the friend heard the story of Mr Evans' long-lost sister, she made a promise to find her.

She discovered his sister was Mrs Brooks, living in the outskirts of London.

Many phone calls later, Bill and Ted Evans yesterday greeted Mrs Brooks with hugs and smiles at the international arrivals lounge on Thursday afternoon.

They said it was an "unbelievable" feeling to meet after so long.

The last six days have been filled with cups of tea, spending time with family and trying to fill in the blanks.

"In some ways we're very much alike. It's surprising really. You feel close though you've never seen them. It's very nice," Mrs Brooks said.

"After all these years it's so overwhelming. I just wish it had happened years ago because I would have met all of them (my brothers)."

"We've been speaking to the early hours of the morning," Bill Evans said.

"Every time we sit down to have a meal we end up talking, talking, talking. We don't know why it (the separation) happened. We never will.

"We've all gelled. It's uncanny. There were no hiccups. When those doors opened at the airport, it was instant."

Mrs Brooks, and her two sons who are travelling with her, will be here for another three weeks.