A DISTRAUGHT couple have today appealed for help in locating their long-lost relative after a private detective failed to turn up any clues.

A DISTRAUGHT couple have today appealed for help in locating their long-lost relative after a private detective failed to turn up any clues.

Graham and Julie Brown have been hunting for Graham's brother, Stuart, since they lost touch around two years ago.

The lack of contact has made the couple, who now live in Australia, concerned for Stuart's health which is why they hired the professional investigator in Ipswich where they think he is still living.

Mrs Brown, 60, said: “We just lost touch with him but we know he's had heart surgery and we're worried something might have happened to him.

“I don't think his wife would have our contact details so it is horrid just not knowing.

“The last time we'd heard about him he was in Ipswich and I can't imagine he would have moved.

“He's my husband's only living relative and he's his younger brother, so he still feels responsible for him.

“If they got together it would be like they've never been apart.”

Graham and Julie, who have two sons and moved to Sydney in 1974, are now hoping that by appealing through The Evening Star someone may be able to provide them with valuable information about Stuart's whereabouts.

Mr Brown, 58, added: “Not knowing where Stuart is or if he is healthy is a huge concern to me.

“He is the only person of my direct family that is still around, so being able to contact and speak to him again would be great.

“Stuart moved back to the Ipswich area from Kirby Stephen (in the Lake District) nearly two years ago. Since moving back he has moved to a new location and we have lost contact.

“It would be great finding Stuart and his wife Karen and their family so we can make contact and next time we are in the UK we can meet up again.”

Anyone with information about Stuart Brown or his family can e-mail Julie and Graham on BrownGeebs@aol.com.

Are you desperate to contact a long-lost relative? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

Stuart Brown

Age: 52

Career: Driver

Family: Married to Karen (nee Brown) and dad of four children, Robert, 24, Martyn, 22, Rebecca, 21, and Amanda.

Hobbies: Football

Last known address: Ditchingham Grove, Rushmere St Andrew