The family of a York man who disappeared without trace ten years ago this week have made a heartfelt appeal for new information.
Simon Hodgson-Greaves was last seen by staff at the RSPB Bempton Cliffs nature reserve near Bridlington, on 21 December 2013.
The previous day Simon’s van was sighted with a male inside and around it – although it was never verified that it was Simon.
A man was again sighted a day later in the same position. Simon, who was 48 at the time of his disappearance, hasn’t been seen since.
A keen birdwatcher, Simon had been to Bempton Cliffs before.
But due to the exposed coastal terrain and the winter conditions, police said they were concerned for Simon’s welfare.
Members of the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team went out searching for him on Boxing Day 2013.
His sisters Rachel Pickthall and Kate Stephenson have remained heartbroken yet determined to find their brother, hopeful that he will be located safe and well.
They are working with the charity Missing People to refresh their plea for any new information on his whereabouts, ten years on from his disappearance.
To mark the tenth missing anniversary of Simon’s disappearance, Rachel and Kate released this message:
“Simon, please get in touch as soon as possible to let us know you’re OK.
“Mum is 83 and needs to know where you are. All your family do. We all miss you very much.
“And if anyone else knows anything about what might have happened to Simon, or where he is now, please get in touch urgently and help put an end to the horrid situation we can’t believe we find ourselves in, which is unbearable.”
Reward offered
In November last year, the family announced that a £10,000 reward would be offered for any information leading to Simon being found.
For any queries on the reward or to report any sightings, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
At the time of his disappearance, Simon was described as
- white
- 6ft tall
- with a proportionate build
- blue eyes
- short ginger hair
- with a full bushy beard
- and a ruddy complexion.
He normally wears glasses. It is unknown what Simon was wearing at the time, although a sighting from a member of the public identified that he wore wellington boots.
To help the search, the public can visit Simon’s appeal on the Missing People website here, from where they can report a sighting, download his missing appeal as a poster, and share it as widely as possible via Facebook, Twitter, and in public spaces.
‘Please get in touch’
Missing People’s Publicity Officer, Ndella Senghore, said: “If anyone has any information about Simon’s disappearance, they can contact Missing People’s helpline.
“Simon, if you are reading this, please get in touch. You can call us on 116 000 or email [email protected].
“Our service is non-judgemental, confidential, and free thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. We just want to provide you with the support you need and help you to be safe.”
Missing People’s helpline is available to support people who are missing, thinking of going missing, and for loved ones who are left behind.
The helpline is free and confidential and is operated by trained staff and volunteers. Sightings and information about any missing person can also be given anonymously through the Missing People website.
