Photo by Pedro Lastra on Unsplash
Those who follow Andrew’s groups and pages on social media will know that we regularly share appeals for children and young people who are missing in the UK and for whom there is particular concern for their safety and wellbeing.
I share these appeals seeing so many faces that, for me, mean hope and potential for the future, for them and their families and communities. If only they can be found and helped to resolve whatever issues are facing them and caused them to go missing.
I find myself thinking of the panic and worry of their parents, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends because we have been through that and continue to face it daily. If someone is missing, it means they are being missed by those who love them and care about them.
At other times, there is a list of those who have been found, which always lifts me as it means so much relief for so many people and a solid chance for the young person concerned. I may only click on the “like” button, but behind that are so many people who have been affected and I am so glad that they can move ahead from a difficult time.
There is a story about a man who finds a young boy on a beach the morning after a storm has washed up thousands of starfish on the shore. The boy is picking them up and placing them back in the water and the man asks him why because there are far too many to save. The boy agrees, but continues to return the starfish to the sea saying “But I helped that one… and that one… and that one.”
The principle is right. None of us can solve all the problems in the world, but all of us can help someone and, by default, those who love them.
So, on the 18th anniversary since our Andrew went missing, I want to ask for your help. Something as simple as sharing appeals from sources you trust does help, maybe more people than you will ever know. If you are in a position to donate to Missing People, you could be helping someone out of a tough situation, or through one by helping to man the helpline. It often comes down to helping one starfish to live to make a huge impact.
I share these appeals seeing so many faces that, for me, mean hope and potential for the future, for them and their families and communities. If only they can be found and helped to resolve whatever issues are facing them and caused them to go missing.
I find myself thinking of the panic and worry of their parents, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends because we have been through that and continue to face it daily. If someone is missing, it means they are being missed by those who love them and care about them.
At other times, there is a list of those who have been found, which always lifts me as it means so much relief for so many people and a solid chance for the young person concerned. I may only click on the “like” button, but behind that are so many people who have been affected and I am so glad that they can move ahead from a difficult time.
There is a story about a man who finds a young boy on a beach the morning after a storm has washed up thousands of starfish on the shore. The boy is picking them up and placing them back in the water and the man asks him why because there are far too many to save. The boy agrees, but continues to return the starfish to the sea saying “But I helped that one… and that one… and that one.”
The principle is right. None of us can solve all the problems in the world, but all of us can help someone and, by default, those who love them.
So, on the 18th anniversary since our Andrew went missing, I want to ask for your help. Something as simple as sharing appeals from sources you trust does help, maybe more people than you will ever know. If you are in a position to donate to Missing People, you could be helping someone out of a tough situation, or through one by helping to man the helpline. It often comes down to helping one starfish to live to make a huge impact.
