is there a way to find out?

[cheeryface]

the story goes that my grandmother walked out on my dad and granddad when my dad was 12.

as far as i know he only ever saw her once after that and thought she had moved to london.

so, of course, i have never met her.

i would like to know if she is still alive, she would probably be in her 80's now.

all i know is her maiden name and obviously the name she took in marrying my grandad.

is there any way i could find out?

Bump for you as I have had similar questions lately.

If it's an unusual name (or not the most common in the world) try 192.com electoral roll type search, it doesn't cost much for searches & you could see how many hits there are. I think you can actually do the search & see how many hits there are first before you pay to get all the information. Google her, try free directory enquiries with her full name & London, she may of course have remarried but it's worth a try. Is there no one in the family who may have kept in touch for some time to know where she ended up.
You could always post the info you do have & some lovely MNetter who's got a subscription to a genealogy site might look for you. I'm not one however but I'm sure there are plenty.

I think the salavtion army can do searches like these

have a look here

I managed to find 3 out of 5 of my mum's siblings from Genes Reunited. There is a yearly subscription charge of about £10

thanx. i would have thought she would have re-married so therefore wouldn't have a clue as to her name would i .

there isn't anyone who i can ask.

i'll have a look anyway at the links