1988 photograph finds its way to its subject after appeal in Telegraph

A STUNNING portrait that was captured more than 20 years ago has found its way back to the unsuspecting model thanks to Scunthorpe Telegraph readers.

An appeal was launched in Monday's Telegraph to track down people who were the subject of four photographs and pictures captured and drawn by talented Scunthorpe photographer John Goodwin.

Sarah Gray with the photograph taken by local photographer John Goodwin in 1988

Mum-of-two Sarah Graves, 40, from Grange Road, Scunthorpe was spotted in the article by her friends.

She said: "Lots of my friends left me messages on Facebook on Monday morning and told me to go out and buy the paper.

"My little girl Alice was asleep at the time so I asked my 13-year-old son to pop to the shop and get me a copy because I was intrigued as to what the picture was.

"As soon as I opened the paper I was stunned. I could not believe my eyes."

Sarah said the picture was taken in 1988 when she was on her way to work at the former Bentley's Bar in Scunthorpe town centre.

"I know it was 1988 because I had just celebrated my 18th birthday and it was the first time I had dyed my hair," said Sarah. "I dyed it pink, but put black streaks through it to keep my mum happy.

"I was on my way to work and I remember the gentleman stopping me and asking if he could take a picture because he said I had fantastic hair.

"In the years gone by I often wondered what had happened to the picture and if he had ever developed it."

Sarah, who cares for her disabled daughter Alice, said being united with the picture was a real blast from the past.

She said: "The picture feels like such a long time ago and I am wearing lots of my favourite jewellery, which I have since lost. I guess I do still look the same just with a few more lines and wrinkles.

"I can not believe the gentleman was so kind to donate the pictures."

As reported, Mr Goodwin wanted to give the photographs to his subjects after cherishing his work for a number of years.

He said: "I am so delighted The Telegraph has traced someone so quickly.

"I am glad the lady was delighted to get the pictures after all these years.

"I had to redecorate and no longer had a place to put them.

"I am glad they have found a loving home."