What motivated you to get your DNA tested?

I wanted to learn more about my family history, specifically my mum's early life. I also wanted to create a family tree book for myself and my children. With my mum and dad both deceased, I felt that now was the time to look for answers.

What did you discover through your DNA testing?

I discovered that I am 25% Polish and 25% Cypriot. I also found a first cousin who provided more information about our Polish background and even discovered my maternal grandfather's identity.

How has your DNA testing experience impacted your life?

My DNA testing experience has been a journey of self-discovery and has connected me with extended family members I never knew existed. It has also made me reflect on the importance of seizing opportunities in life.

Have you ever had your DNA tested?

Q: Have you ever had your DNA tested?

Yes, I have had my DNA tested. In July, I decided to get my DNA tested in order to fill in some gaps in my family history. It has been an eye-opening experience.

CREATED BY DAVINA FARRER
Published: 29/09/2026 @ 09:01AM
#DNAtesting #familyhistory #ancestry #personaljourney #identitydiscovery

Back in July, I decided to get my DNA tested, and what started as an attempt to fill in some gaps in our family history has turned into a journey that has taught me so much about where I come from and, perhaps, a little more about who I am ...

Have you ever had your DNA tested? I did, and I discovered I was part Cypriot!

We never knew very much about my mum's early life. She had been given up as a child and, although never formally adopted, was brought up by someone else and given a new name. Sadly, it wasn't a happy experience. Her father wasn't named on her birth certificate, so we had no idea who he was.

We knew her mother's name, and that she was Polish and
Jewish, but there were huge gaps in the story!

My dad had researched part of his family tree before he died at just 49, and my cousin has researched another branch. My sister and I wanted to bring everything together into a family tree book for ourselves and our children.

With my mum having died seven years ago, my cousin recently turning 80, and my sister being very poorly, I suddenly felt that if I wanted answers, now was the time to look for them. And what an adventure it has become.

I've discovered that I'm 25% Polish and 25% Cypriot. I've found a first cousin who was able to tell me much more about our Polish background, thanks in part to memories her father had recorded. Most amazingly, I discovered my maternal grandfather's identity. I now have his name and even a photograph of him.

I've spoken to second cousins who are grandchildren of his brothers, travelled to London to meet a more distant cousin visiting from Newfoundland and, wonderfully, I've now been invited to Cyprus to meet members of my extended family.

That invitation made me think about something else!

Life has a habit of presenting opportunities when we aren't expecting them. My trip to Cyprus wasn't planned. It certainly wasn't sitting neatly in this year's diary or budget. But when the invitation came, I was able to say yes.

That's because I've deliberately built a business that gives me both financial and time flexibility. I already spend significant amounts of time away with friends and family and at my home from home in Bude, yet I can still make room when something extraordinary comes along.

Life is short. Sometimes waiting until next year isn't the right answer, so if somebody offered you the opportunity of a lifetime with less than a month's notice, could you say yes?

If you'd like to build a business and lifestyle that gives you more opportunities to do exactly that, get in touch. I'm always happy to have a conversation.

Until next time ...

DAVINA FARRER

Would you like to know more?

If anything in this post has made you stop and think, or you're wondering if there might be a different way of doing things, I'd love to chat. You can find out more on my website at joindavina.co.uk, call me on 07950 003140, or connect with me on LinkedIn and say hello. No pressure, just a friendly conversation to see what's possible.

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#DNAtesting #familyhistory #ancestry #personaljourney #identitydiscovery

About Davina Farrer ...

I’ve always believed life is too short to sit still and wait for “someday.” From travelling the world in my twenties to taking on challenges like long-distance coastal walks, I’ve built a life around adventure, freedom, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

After becoming a mum, I wanted a way to be present for my family while still creating an income and future for myself. That led me to build a flexible, residual income business that fits around real life - not the other way round. Today, I help others do the same, showing them how to reduce their bills and create more choice with their time.

For me, it’s not just about money - it’s about freedom. Freedom to travel, take on new challenges, and be there for the moments that matter most. If you’re looking for a way to create more flexibility, more income, and more life in your days, you’re in the right place.

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Have you ever had your DNA tested?

We knew her mother's name, and that she was Polish andJewish, but there were huge gaps in the story!

With my mum having died seven years ago, my cousin recently turning 80, and my sister being very poorly, I suddenly felt that if I wanted answers, now was the time to look for them. And what an adventure it has become.

That invitation made me think about something else!

Life is short. Sometimes waiting until next year isn't the right answer, so if somebody offered you the opportunity of a lifetime with less than a month's notice, could you say yes?

We knew her mother's name, and that she was Polish and
Jewish, but there were huge gaps in the story!