HELP EASE AGONY

MORE families than ever will spend this Christmas worrying about loved ones as a record number of people have been reported missing.

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For many this time of year is one of uncertainty, fear and longing.

They will be thinking of the empty space at the table or an unwrapped present under the tree.

More and more are finding themselves in this position - with someone reported missing every 90 seconds.

Most recent figures reveal a 9% rise in the number of children reported missing each year, up from 69,050 in 2021-22 to 75,422 in 2022-23. There has also been an increase in the total going missing, from 166,463 to 171,192.

They include teenagers who have fallen out with their parents, the elderly suffering with dementia, people with poor mental health, and those with financial problems.

Tragically, around 1,000 people a year die before they are found.

That is why we are raising money for the charity Missing People this Christmas.