Catherine’s Story

When Catherine woke at 5.25am, she knew immediately something was wrong.

Jack always kept in touch. The night before, he had messaged to say he was safe, had keys to get in, and would take a taxi home. But by morning, he wasn’t there.

Catherine and her husband rushed to the last location shown on their phones. They searched the surrounding streets, knocked on doors and alerted family members to help. As the hours passed, fear and confusion grew. Nearly three years later, Jack is still missing.

Since that day, Catherine and her family have searched tirelessly for answers. They have walked streets, parks, riverbanks and fields. They have followed up leads, appealed for information and lived through countless moments of hope and heartbreak.

“There is grief, fear, hope, confusion and thousands of unanswered questions. It’s the last thing I think of at night and the first thing that enters my mind as I wake in the morning.”

The uncertainty of not knowing where someone is, or whether they are safe, affects every part of a family’s life. While others may see a missing person poster, families live with that reality every minute of every day.

That’s why support for people affected by missing is so important.

How we helped

Missing People has been a vital lifeline for Catherine and her family. Through regular support from her dedicated family support worker, Belen, Catherine has found strength, hope and someone who truly listens.

While others may move on, Missing People remains there for families facing the unimaginable, offering emotional support, practical guidance and advocacy when it is needed most. For Catherine, knowing there is someone who still believes, still listens and still talks about Jack as the young man he is has made all the difference.

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