TV appeal gives mum new hope

By akerr

AN ERDINGTON mum's campaign to find her missing son has been boosted by coverage on television.

Paul Carter, aged 24, disappeared after taking a ferry from Portsmouth to the French port of St Malo in April 2007. Now his mum Theresa Humphries hopes that a feature on Five News, broadcast on Monday, will bring the breakthrough she is desperate for.

"There has not been any response but it is early days," Theresa, aged 49, said. "It was definitely the right thing to do."

Five News approached Theresa through the charity Missing People which had been helping with the search for Paul by distributing posters around the Portsmouth area.

The TV programme is running a series of reports about missing people, the effect on the families and the efforts to find them.

"The report was filmed here and in Portsmouth," explained Theresa. "It was very emotional. It's the first time I've been by the sea and it's the first time I've seen the ferry."

Theresa and her sister Bernadette put posters up and the family's wish is that Paul will come home.

"We all miss Paul dearly and urge him or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to make contact with the family," said Theresa. "We just need him back. It's not the same without him."

Theresa is convinced that her son is still alive. I have never had a negative feeling," she said. "I am a midwife and believe in a mother's instinct. I really, truly believe that you would get a gut instinct feeling if something was seriously wrong.

"I've never had that and I'll keep going until they prove me otherwise.

"I shall do what I do every day and that's to continue to search for him."

Theresa wishes to thank everyone who has offered support including officers at Sutton Police handling the case.

Next she intends contacting newspapers in the St Malo area in an effort to highlight her campaign to find Paul.

The Fox pub in Walmley is holding a charity fundraiser for Missing People throughout August Bank Holiday weekend. "There is all sorts going on," said Theresa.

"I was delighted when they approached me about it – they are good friends."