Amnesiac found in Peterborough park identified as Lithuanian

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jul/14/amnesiac-peterborough-park-identified-lithuanian-alvydas-kanaporis

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An amnesia sufferer who had been unable to remember his own name after being found in a park has been identified after an appeal by doctors.

Medics released a photograph and opened a hotline after the man – given the temporary name of Robert – was found in a park in Peterborough, unable to recall any details of his life including his name, age or where he is from. Despite two months of care he showed no signs of improvement.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust said on Monday that they had been contacted by the family of Alvydas Kanaporis, 22, originally from Lithuania, who confirmed his identity. It is not known how long he has been in the UK and it is understood Mr Kanaporis can still not recall any details of his previous life.

Dr Manaan Kar Ray said: "Following a tremendous response to the appeal to identify 'Robert', a patient with severe amnesia who has been in our care for nearly two months, the trust has been contacted by his relatives. They have helped us establish his name.

"We have, of course, spoken to the patient, and this will give our work with him a new focus. However, as I have previously stated, this is only an initial step on what could be a long journey to help him regain his autobiographical memory. I would like to thank the public and the media for their interest in this case, but Alvydas has requested he is left to continue his recovery in private."

Mr Kanaporis was discovered in a park in the city centre at 6am on 18 May. He told police he had no memory of who he was or how he came to be there.

Cambridgeshire police confirmed he was not known to officers and did not match any missing persons reports. The only hints of his previous life had been an eastern European accent and understanding of Lithuanian and Russian along with his sporting ability: he is good at basketball, tennis and football.

Mr Kanaporis is currently being cared for at the city's Cavell Centre mental health unit where his treatment will continue.