A health scare has prompted an ex-fireman to search for the love of his life, 42 years after they first met.

Ron Davies, 71, is trying to get in touch with his former flame, Hazel Burgess, after he suffered kidney failure last year.

Mr Davies said: “When I was ill I made a list of things I wanted to do before I desert this planet. I hope I can find someone who was very precious to me.”

The pair met in Kingston at a ballroom dancing class in 1969, while Mr Davies was training on the fire service’s accelerated promotion course in Dorking.

Mr Davies said: “I fell very much in love and we got into a relationship. She was absolutely gorgeous and we had an amazing time together.”

Hazel, who was an estate agent in the Kingston and Surbiton area and Mr Davies lost touch as they both went through earlier divorces.

Mr Davies said: “I have never ever forgotten Hazel and the wonderful times we had together.”

Mr Davies enjoyed a successful career and became divisional commander in Essex, as well as working in Sydney as the head of fire safety and dangerous goods for the Ministry of Transport.

He retired to Litchfield, Staffordshire in 1996.

* Can you help Mr Davies in his quest? Is Hazel reading this or do you know who she is? Get in touch by emailing cbuchanan@london.newsquest.co.uk or calling 020 8744 4248.