My name is Lyn. This Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my story about my missing son, Matthew.

Matthew went missing in Tenerife in December 2009. He was 18 and on holiday with his girlfriend. She called me to say he had vanished.  

I felt like I was in another world during those first few weeks. I didn’t want to believe what had happened to my family or how we would carry on in the future.

I don’t know what I would have done without the support of Missing People. I contacted them the day after Matthew disappeared. They gave me so much help and practical support – about who to speak to and what to do next.

If I ever needed someone to listen to me, they were always there. As time went on and still no good news, they organised counselling to help me cope.

Matthew was such a wonderful, loving son. So full of life, always making everyone laugh. Before he went missing he was in the Royal Signals in the British Army, based in Germany. He was so happy: it was his dream come true and we were so proud of him. He came home to visit every weekend – bringing his washing with him! 

Matthew is still missing. It was very stormy the night he disappeared. The police think he may have fallen off the cliff and drowned in the sea. But no one knows for sure. So you are  left with constant uncertainty. No clues. No news. No hugs.

Mother’s Day is so hard for me now. Thankfully, I have the brilliant team at Missing People as a constant source of support. Just knowing they are there, that someone understands, is wonderful. They always remember his birthday and the anniversary of when Matthew went missing. I find this so touching.

Right now, there are thousands of mums like me, who are living with the pain of a missing loved one. Can you help Missing People give another mum the support they desperately need by making a special gift today?

Thank you so much,

Lyn