Hello rubyrocket. My mum was German, that's where I got it from, though Ilona is used in a lot of eastern block countries. I speak it as my mum said it, though most English people can't get their tonsils round the correct pronunciation.
I found another Ilona with the same surname as well, on the internet, and gave her a call. She lives in Glasgow. I have only ever met one other Ilona face to face, she was working for blood donors when I went to donate. I used to hate my name, but I love it now. Say hello to your son's partner for me.
Just watched another programme, the one where Julia walked across the Pennines. Paddling through those bogs has put me off now, can I go over on the road, and not the M62 ha ha. I like her presenting style.
Ilona