On Saturday, April 2, 2011, Missing People hosted the second annual ‘Miles for Missing People’ – a 10k running event to bring together families of the missing in Regent’s Park, London. More than 700 runners participated in the 6.2 mile run, and helped to raise £30,000 for the charity.

Over 1,000 supporters gathered to raise money and awareness for the charity – including family members of missing people such as Nicki Durbin (mother of Luke Durbin), Kristina French (mother of Nicholas Apps), Elizabeth Templeton (mother of Alan Templeton), Kate and Gerry McCann (parents of Madeleine McCann), Rachel Elias (sister of Richard Edwards), Theresa Humphries (mother of Paul Carter), and Peter Lawrence (father of Claudia Lawrence). 

Kristina French, whose son Nicholas Apps went missing in 1994, said: “It is practically unbearable for those left to grieve their loss over the years, and it is so important to make people realise the seriousness and widespread nature of this terrible thing.”

There was also a 2km Fun Run for children and families, celebrity supporters including Kirsten O’Brien and Sue Cook, and an amazing 400 members of the singing sensation Rock Choir – with special guest soloist, actress Debra Stephenson – provided uplifting entertainment for the runners and supporters.

Kirsten said, “I have had a very personal experience of ‘missing’ and it is one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. I was delighted to run Miles for Missing People and did so to remember Mark and help bring resolution to all those currently missing. The charity brings so much happiness into the lives of the people it reunites, and this is a great opportunity to make a real difference. ”

Martin Houghton-Brown, the Chief Executive of Missing People, said, “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part or supported Miles for Missing People. All the money raised will help us to improve and expand our services, so that we can be a lifeline when someone disappears.”