We’re giving a huge shout out to Marlena O’Donnell for her incredible fundraising efforts to mark 30 years since her brother-in-law, Trevor O’Donnell, went missing from Canterbury, Kent in March 1994. Trevor was a 23-year-old student at the time.
Last year, to honour Trevor’s 30th missing anniversary, Marlena took on two major fundraisers for Missing People: in March, to coincide with the anniversary, she and her godson braved the cold for a 10k walk in London as part of the London Homeless Collective.
“It was poignant to do a walk organised by a homeless charity, as so many people who go missing are homeless. It wasn’t the easiest walk, up and down pavements and a lot of hills. It was very cold, and it was a comfort knowing I was going home after the walk was complete. I was conscious that, whilst I could go home, missing people and homeless people sheltering in doorways couldn’t.”
Then in October, she and her husband Kevin – Trevor’s brother – hosted a board game event at their local parish church hall to raise further funds. Its success was made possible by their friends and wider community.
“It was incredibly successful – over 50 people attended. Every person was issued a free ticket, and all tickets were entered into a draw prize. Although the entrance tickets were free, we had a lot of opportunities for donations during the event.
“We had three different raffles: a hamper raffle, a cake raffle and a games raffle. We also provided home-baked cakes, tea and coffee and pick’n’mix for a donation. There were three competitions: a treasure hunt, guess the number of games pieces in a jar and a Missing People challenge – using pictures of letters taken from game names, we created the phrase ‘Missing People’ and asked the participants to name individual games. For example, M was represented by a picture of the letter M taken from “Monopoly”.
Both events raised a combined total of £2,500!
“I feel so pleased with how much both events raised, the amount of publicity our fundraisers have garnered and that so many people in the community got involved to support my family.”
Reflecting on her fundraising journey, Marlena felt ’fully supported’.
“[The Fundraising team] were so enthusiastic and listened to all my ideas. I was always told what the donations could pay for and felt encouraged to raise even more,” she added.
As the darkness of 30 years without Trevor loomed, fundraising gave the family “something positive to focus on”, Marlena added.
Marlena and Kevin continue to fundraise for Missing People. In April, they are planning to do further fundraising through a strategy games convention. Marlena, who runs a coaching business, asks her clients to donate a percentage of her fee directly to Missing People.
“The 30th missing anniversary has been emotional,” Marlena shared. “It brings up feelings of hope and longing for Trevor, but also the harsh reality of how long he’s been gone. The family talks about Trevor a lot, especially at the time of special occasions and anniversaries”.
Trevor is quiet and sensitive yet has an amazing sense of humour. He has a range of interests: from Taekwondo and board games to art and music.
Trevor went missing before Marlena met Kevin. It is one of her deepest regrets that she didn’t meet him, and she often imagines what would happen if Trevor was around. Regardless, she still deeply feels the impact of her brother-in-law’s disappearance.
Marlena feels a deep connection to him and Kevin believes that, due to their common interests in art, Marlena and Trevor would have visited galleries together.
“I feel like I have an almost clear vision of Trevor, like looking through misted glass,” she said.
Missing People has supported the O’Donnells since Trevor went missing 30 years ago. Marlena praises the Family Support counselling team and the publicity team for keeping Trevor’s memory alive with their missing appeals.
“There has never been a missing anniversary that has been ignored by the charity,” Marlena says.
“Missing People won’t give up hope, so neither will we… They work extremely hard to keep his picture in the public eye,” she added.
Missing People’s support groups have also been a lifeline to the O’Donnells, connecting them with other families in similar situations.
“It helps knowing that you there are other families in a similar situation and be able to connect with them.
“Missing People feels like an extension of a family. Missing someone is such a unique position to be in and Missing People understand,” Marlena said.
Marlena’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of fundraising. By supporting Missing People, you can help families like the O’Donnells keep hope alive. Whether it’s through a walk, a game night, or any creative idea you have, your efforts can make a difference.
Come together to support Missing People and help bring missing loved ones back home. Every bit helps, and together, we can make a big impact.
Thank you, Marlena, Kevin, and everyone who donated. Your efforts are truly inspiring!
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