Last year I bought two DNA tests. I was interested to find my genetic makeup. My husband wasn't as keen as I was and thought there could be some privacy issues. My son (like me) wasn't overly concerned so we both submitted our saliva test and waited for our results. A couple of weeks later we opened our 'DNA story'. It wasn't particulary surprising but it was still interesting. For me: 45% England and North-Western Europe; 25% Ireland; 12% Scotland; 5% The Balkans; 4% Wales and so on. The test was purchased through Ancestry.com.au and I recieved notifications on possible relatives (and of course a notification of my son who also took the test). I hadnt really thought of this side of DNA testing before and I remember thinking of how you could find some good news but some ugly secrets could also be revealed. A month or two later I recieved a message 'Hi Rhonda, our DNA show up as a first or second cousin. I am really interested to find out how we are related. I look forward to hearing from you. Kerrie'

I didnt expect any surprises and was probably a little sceptical about the results but I contacted Kerrie and we worked out that we were in fact, first cousins - a first cousin that I didnt even know existed. Kerrie's father (my dad's brother) died in a road accident at the young age of 24. My dad often spoke of his young brother, Ron, but I cant remember ever hearing that Ron had a daughter. Kerrie was just 18 months old when her father died. We lived in the country and dad's family all lived in the city and back then that felt like a lifetime away.

Fast forward a few decades (quite a few) and Kerrie and I meet. Its strange and lovely at the same time to meet my cousin and I can see so many similiarites between her and my own family. I am pleased to report that we actually like each other and we have met a few times and chat often. I feel really happy we have found each other but also a little disappointed that we hadn't met earlier. I think Kerrie, my sisters and I would have been great mates and I hope we would have been some extra support to her growing up. At the moment, Kerrie is still my secret and exclusive cousin and she hasn't been shared with my siblings. It's special.

I'm sure there are many stories like mine. Has anyone else found any surprises in a DNA test?