Testimonials
Testimonials
Read the testimonies of people we have helped & are still helping...
Missing People
"In February 2018 I was contacted by Joan Grant from the charity Missing Persons U..K and Beyond and what an absolutely amazing woman she is.
When I first started speaking with Joan I was devastated & had absolutely no idea what to do next or where I could get any help in finding JA.
Within a month Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond had organised & delivered 10,000 missing person flyers for JA & helped me distribute some of them; arranged t-shirts with my son’s information so we could wear when out distributing our flyers; organised events so as we could talk to people in a similar situation; and organised a CD & DVD of a song called Broken Memory which also features my son.
The the charity also kept JA’s profile in the public eye by sharing social media posts, & his appeal was shared over 10,000 times.
They encouraged me to keep going, & to contact the police again as well as newspapers - who featured my son’s story on many occasions – & my local MP, Derek MacKay who contacted both the Metropolitan & Strathclyde police on my behalf.
Within 1 week the Met police had contacted me to say they had put a trace on JA - it was such a relief that something was being done!
I could go on and on, but most importantly the support I got from Joan and Derek Grant was tremendous, they called me almost every day and encouraged me to keep going, & when I was at my lowest point they would chat and encourage me to keep going, and keep searching.
Almost 2 years after he went missing, I received a letter from my son in September 2019, I could not believe it, my beautiful son was found and he was coming home there are no words to explain how we all felt.
My son had been living on the street for most of the time he was missing, but had got a place in a hostel in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Because MPUK&B had contacted various councils in Scotland and England, & outreach groups that helped people on the streets, one of his support workers had recognised JA & showed him the flyer & newspaper articles of our search for him, & this led my son to write this letter and come home.
I could never have done any of this without the help of MPUK&B & I will be forever grateful to them.
JA has been home now for 10 months & has settled into his own flat, which he loves and cherishes.
My son’s dad passed away in May of this year and this is just one thing that my son will be forever grateful for as he got 10 months with his dad before he passed.
All of this is down to the MPUK&B. Joan and MPUKAB still keep in touch with me as part of the aftercare, & we will be forever grateful to them for bringing him home".
When I first started speaking with Joan I was devastated & had absolutely no idea what to do next or where I could get any help in finding JA.
Within a month Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond had organised & delivered 10,000 missing person flyers for JA & helped me distribute some of them; arranged t-shirts with my son’s information so we could wear when out distributing our flyers; organised events so as we could talk to people in a similar situation; and organised a CD & DVD of a song called Broken Memory which also features my son.
The the charity also kept JA’s profile in the public eye by sharing social media posts, & his appeal was shared over 10,000 times.
They encouraged me to keep going, & to contact the police again as well as newspapers - who featured my son’s story on many occasions – & my local MP, Derek MacKay who contacted both the Metropolitan & Strathclyde police on my behalf.
Within 1 week the Met police had contacted me to say they had put a trace on JA - it was such a relief that something was being done!
I could go on and on, but most importantly the support I got from Joan and Derek Grant was tremendous, they called me almost every day and encouraged me to keep going, & when I was at my lowest point they would chat and encourage me to keep going, and keep searching.
Almost 2 years after he went missing, I received a letter from my son in September 2019, I could not believe it, my beautiful son was found and he was coming home there are no words to explain how we all felt.
My son had been living on the street for most of the time he was missing, but had got a place in a hostel in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Because MPUK&B had contacted various councils in Scotland and England, & outreach groups that helped people on the streets, one of his support workers had recognised JA & showed him the flyer & newspaper articles of our search for him, & this led my son to write this letter and come home.
I could never have done any of this without the help of MPUK&B & I will be forever grateful to them.
JA has been home now for 10 months & has settled into his own flat, which he loves and cherishes.
My son’s dad passed away in May of this year and this is just one thing that my son will be forever grateful for as he got 10 months with his dad before he passed.
All of this is down to the MPUK&B. Joan and MPUKAB still keep in touch with me as part of the aftercare, & we will be forever grateful to them for bringing him home".
Marie Kinloch
“My sister, Lisa Brown, went missing in Spain on November 2015. She failed to collect her son from school & right away we knew something was wrong.
This has been a rather complex case, & so much has happened in the nearly 5 years she has not been found. We know she is no longer with us but we don’t know where she is.
Joan Grant has been a massive help to us, financially helping us with the many trips we have had to make, but more importantly emotionally.
These are people that before our paths would never have crossed – she’s there whenever I want to chat & checks up to see I’m ok.
It’s people like her that families like mine need – she also won’t take credit for the wonderful work she does.”
This has been a rather complex case, & so much has happened in the nearly 5 years she has not been found. We know she is no longer with us but we don’t know where she is.
Joan Grant has been a massive help to us, financially helping us with the many trips we have had to make, but more importantly emotionally.
These are people that before our paths would never have crossed – she’s there whenever I want to chat & checks up to see I’m ok.
It’s people like her that families like mine need – she also won’t take credit for the wonderful work she does.”
Helen Jordan
"My son Allan Bryant went out with some friends on the 2nd of November 2013 and that was the last time we saw him. He was 23 years old when he went missing, and his absence has deeply affected our family – he was a wonderful son, & a great big brother to Amy and Sophie, always making his sisters laugh and playing joke's on them, our family life was complete.
In the darkest hours with nowhere to turn or no one to talk to, Joan Grant contacted me and helped me through so many dark time's, then I got to know Laura Collins, Vivian Kydd, and Wendy Gordon from Missing Persons U.K and Beyond.
It is almost seven years that our son Allan has been missing, & Joan and Derek have been there for me for most of that time, I have become friend's with them all now, and talked to them all when times are difficult, the amazing thing about them is we don't just talk about my son Allan we can have a laugh together without me feeling guilty.
I find it hard to put into words what they have all done for me over the years. I have met Joan and Derek on so many occasions: at my home; meeting for coffee; going out for meals; or taking Allan's Mum Marie to the bingo.
I have also met Laura Collins at our house, such a kind hearted person, through the loss of my son I have gained amazing friends who are there for me 24/7.
Joan and Derek have given me moral support: accompanying me to the missing persons carol service on two occasions in Edinburgh; and attending the Scottish Parliament with me.
The charity Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond have helped by giving me donations to keep my son Allan's car on the road – this car is vital as it has Allan’s missing person’s details & pictures on it which raises awareness of his case - & posters to keep my son Allan in the public eye.
I really can't thank them all enough for being there for me, and what they do for so many other families with a missing loved one is beyond words, they all do this in their own time. They have all become amazing friend's which means so much to me, and I thank them all for helping me through so many dark times".
In the darkest hours with nowhere to turn or no one to talk to, Joan Grant contacted me and helped me through so many dark time's, then I got to know Laura Collins, Vivian Kydd, and Wendy Gordon from Missing Persons U.K and Beyond.
It is almost seven years that our son Allan has been missing, & Joan and Derek have been there for me for most of that time, I have become friend's with them all now, and talked to them all when times are difficult, the amazing thing about them is we don't just talk about my son Allan we can have a laugh together without me feeling guilty.
I find it hard to put into words what they have all done for me over the years. I have met Joan and Derek on so many occasions: at my home; meeting for coffee; going out for meals; or taking Allan's Mum Marie to the bingo.
I have also met Laura Collins at our house, such a kind hearted person, through the loss of my son I have gained amazing friends who are there for me 24/7.
Joan and Derek have given me moral support: accompanying me to the missing persons carol service on two occasions in Edinburgh; and attending the Scottish Parliament with me.
The charity Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond have helped by giving me donations to keep my son Allan's car on the road – this car is vital as it has Allan’s missing person’s details & pictures on it which raises awareness of his case - & posters to keep my son Allan in the public eye.
I really can't thank them all enough for being there for me, and what they do for so many other families with a missing loved one is beyond words, they all do this in their own time. They have all become amazing friend's which means so much to me, and I thank them all for helping me through so many dark times".
Allan Bryant Snr
"My brother, Alan Steven Rae went missing on the 2nd March 1989 from Helensburgh – near Holy Loch, Argyll. At the time of his disappearance, Alan was a new Territorial Army recruit in the 51st Battalion of the Royal Highland Fusiliers & was on a 10-day training exercise at Garelochhead.
Despite extensive land & water searches no trace of Alan has ever been found.
Sadly, my parents & other brother, Sammy, are no longer here, & not knowing what happened to Alan, & having no answers or support for over 30 years was heartbreaking for our family.
I would like to say a massive thank you to Joan Grant & Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond who have helped & given me strength, & continues to do so, through such difficult times".
Despite extensive land & water searches no trace of Alan has ever been found.
Sadly, my parents & other brother, Sammy, are no longer here, & not knowing what happened to Alan, & having no answers or support for over 30 years was heartbreaking for our family.
I would like to say a massive thank you to Joan Grant & Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond who have helped & given me strength, & continues to do so, through such difficult times".
Denise Rae
“My dad David Findlay went missing from his home in Cardonald 12 years ago, on the 5th May 2008, & to date remains a Missing Person. At the time he went missing he was 69 years old & had onset dementia.
I have been with this group for a long time now – they do amazing work. To be honest I don’t know what I would have done without them.
Throughout the years my dad has been missing the only support I have really had has been from Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond – I know if I’m struggling or needing support, they are only a phone call away, they are fantastic, & always there for me.
If it wasn’t for phone calls or texts from them, to be honest I don’t know where I would be today - Joan is always at the other end of the phone if I need to talk, & every anniversary the charity puts a memory and appeal on social media to refresh people’s memories, and again I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
I have been with this group for a long time now – they do amazing work. To be honest I don’t know what I would have done without them.
Throughout the years my dad has been missing the only support I have really had has been from Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond – I know if I’m struggling or needing support, they are only a phone call away, they are fantastic, & always there for me.
If it wasn’t for phone calls or texts from them, to be honest I don’t know where I would be today - Joan is always at the other end of the phone if I need to talk, & every anniversary the charity puts a memory and appeal on social media to refresh people’s memories, and again I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond for their hard work, and I totally appreciate it – I’ve never met Joan in person but I feel we are all family together.”
Linda Findlay
"It's been nearly 12 years since my brother, John Coleman, vanished in Edinburgh. John was reported missing on 01/05/2009 & was last seen at the outreach post on Leith Street, but it is unclear of his movements after that.
His support worker received a phone call from my brother saying he hadn't been allowed into the hostel as they believed he was drunk.
John had suffered a stroke so I'm thinking they got it wrong as he has slurred speech due to the stroke.
His support worker received a phone call from my brother saying he hadn't been allowed into the hostel as they believed he was drunk.
John had suffered a stroke so I'm thinking they got it wrong as he has slurred speech due to the stroke.
His support worker arranged to call him back but unfortunately my brother didn't pick up, so his support worker then reported him missing.
John is 5ft 9ins tall he has greying brown hair Brown eyes and he has two distinctive tattoos on his left arm one reading "John" and the other is a rose, dagger and Irish harp.
My brother John may have been homeless, but you wouldn't have guessed that because he kept a well-groomed appearance.
John was 51 at the time of his disappearance, he will soon be 62.
John is 5ft 9ins tall he has greying brown hair Brown eyes and he has two distinctive tattoos on his left arm one reading "John" and the other is a rose, dagger and Irish harp.
My brother John may have been homeless, but you wouldn't have guessed that because he kept a well-groomed appearance.
John was 51 at the time of his disappearance, he will soon be 62.
What pains me most is that he has no idea of his mother's passing. It makes me cry and I feel very emotional because I'm so frustrated & I don't know how to describe the pain I'm feeling.
Missing People U.K. and Beyond have been a tremendous support to me, they have done more to help me than the police have, Joan and Derek are my knights in shining armour, they have been there with emotional support as well as helping me through this 11-year nightmare.
John loved to play guitar and harmonica I also shared his love for music. Even though I did not see John often through the years I still missed him and I still miss him today, someone knows where my brother is and I urge them to come forward.
Missing People U.K. and Beyond have been a tremendous support to me, they have done more to help me than the police have, Joan and Derek are my knights in shining armour, they have been there with emotional support as well as helping me through this 11-year nightmare.
John loved to play guitar and harmonica I also shared his love for music. Even though I did not see John often through the years I still missed him and I still miss him today, someone knows where my brother is and I urge them to come forward.
Always in my heart John love your wee sis Linda."
Linda Leslie
Long Lost Family & Friends
"I would just like to take this opportunity to share my story.
I put a post on Facebook in 2015 on behalf of my nana, who had a baby girl when she was only a child herself, but sadly her baby girl was taken from her and put up for adoption.
For almost 48 years my nana continued to search for her little girl, & every December on the run up to Christmas she would fall into a deep depression.
When posting I just thought “I’ve got nothing to lose”. I had already written to the TV shows Long Lost Family multiple times, and even Jeremy Kyle!
I received a message from Joan Grant of Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond, who helped point me in the right direction.
In May 2015 my nana got to hold her baby girl again - a moment I will never forget. Finally, she had all her kids together, & now almost 4 years on, we are planning a family holiday and will continue to create memories we lost out on.
So, I just want to say thank you to Joan & Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond for being a part of this process... you changed our lives".
I put a post on Facebook in 2015 on behalf of my nana, who had a baby girl when she was only a child herself, but sadly her baby girl was taken from her and put up for adoption.
For almost 48 years my nana continued to search for her little girl, & every December on the run up to Christmas she would fall into a deep depression.
When posting I just thought “I’ve got nothing to lose”. I had already written to the TV shows Long Lost Family multiple times, and even Jeremy Kyle!
I received a message from Joan Grant of Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond, who helped point me in the right direction.
In May 2015 my nana got to hold her baby girl again - a moment I will never forget. Finally, she had all her kids together, & now almost 4 years on, we are planning a family holiday and will continue to create memories we lost out on.
So, I just want to say thank you to Joan & Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond for being a part of this process... you changed our lives".
Alesia Reilly
“I live in Australia & had been looking for my half-sister for many years without any luck. My family had helped with searching, & my son-in-law Leigh had found my sister’s name & some other details, but despite this I still couldn’t find her.
My friend sent me a link to the Facebook page of the charity, Missing Persons U.K and Beyond, & I posted what information I had on there.
Within a matter of hours, I received a message from one of the charity trustees, Vivian Kydd. I could not believe what I was reading – Vivian & the team had found my half-sister…it was AMAZING…I cried for days.
My half-sister & I still keep in touch & have exchanged family photos, and chatted a lot.
Dreams do come true!
Vivian also stays in contact with me, & once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If anyone out there is looking for a loved one, never give up…”
My friend sent me a link to the Facebook page of the charity, Missing Persons U.K and Beyond, & I posted what information I had on there.
Within a matter of hours, I received a message from one of the charity trustees, Vivian Kydd. I could not believe what I was reading – Vivian & the team had found my half-sister…it was AMAZING…I cried for days.
My half-sister & I still keep in touch & have exchanged family photos, and chatted a lot.
Dreams do come true!
Vivian also stays in contact with me, & once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If anyone out there is looking for a loved one, never give up…”
Margo Norman
"I had got nowhere in the search for my father, and then out of nowhere up popped Laura from Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond - just like a fairy godmother and she offered to help for free!!!!! And she has got so far in her search for me, she also puts up with me constantly asking for updates I can’t begin to tell you the difference she has made, there are truly special people
out there and Laura is one of them, she never stops and she never ever gives up, we all need a Laura in our life. She is so understanding and compassionate, I do truly believe she will find the truth for me she is so close, all my years of searching got me nowhere, she has uncovered relatives I never knew existed, I can’t ever thank her enough for what she does."
out there and Laura is one of them, she never stops and she never ever gives up, we all need a Laura in our life. She is so understanding and compassionate, I do truly believe she will find the truth for me she is so close, all my years of searching got me nowhere, she has uncovered relatives I never knew existed, I can’t ever thank her enough for what she does."
Fiona Grant
"Missing Persons UK and Beyond played a vital part in me finding my long-lost Grandparents.
Unfortunately, my dad Stephen died in April last year, I had no relationship with my dad or his family due to his alcohol addiction which ended up resulting in his death. It turns out his family had tried and failed to "win him over" and they in the end had to dis-own him due to his selfishness and illness making their health worse.
Vivian and the guys in the group investigated where my grandparents could be and gave me vital information such as; D.O.B's and an Address. This Address ended up being 'the' Address I had been seeking for over a year.
I visited the address, and now have a developing relationship with my Gran and Grandad, we have met once and spent an afternoon chatting and having tea/coffee, I was able to tell them the awful news regarding their son, it's changed my life and taken a massive weight off me.
I can get on with my life now knowing his mum and dad know where his ashes are scattered and they know I gave him a good funeral. Who knows what the future may hold with my Gran and Grandad, we are due to meet for drinks next month."
Unfortunately, my dad Stephen died in April last year, I had no relationship with my dad or his family due to his alcohol addiction which ended up resulting in his death. It turns out his family had tried and failed to "win him over" and they in the end had to dis-own him due to his selfishness and illness making their health worse.
Vivian and the guys in the group investigated where my grandparents could be and gave me vital information such as; D.O.B's and an Address. This Address ended up being 'the' Address I had been seeking for over a year.
I visited the address, and now have a developing relationship with my Gran and Grandad, we have met once and spent an afternoon chatting and having tea/coffee, I was able to tell them the awful news regarding their son, it's changed my life and taken a massive weight off me.
I can get on with my life now knowing his mum and dad know where his ashes are scattered and they know I gave him a good funeral. Who knows what the future may hold with my Gran and Grandad, we are due to meet for drinks next month."
Brodie Crichton
"I would like to thank Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond for sharing far and wide my recent post regarding my uncle Roger Furey McGibbon, I have now found out that Roger moved to London and eventually died in February of 2010 of lung cancer. He lodged above a pub for many years and the landlady Lucy took him in as one of her own family.
I just wish that my wee mum Susan Furey Gallagher got to see him again before she passed away In January of 2010.
Thank you for everything and to Joan Grant (Admin) who went above and beyond to help me find him, I’m so grateful. We’ve now clarified it was indeed Roger so my search is over but I’m grateful he’s finally been located after nearly 55 years of walking out of the family’s front door. Thank you guys!"
I just wish that my wee mum Susan Furey Gallagher got to see him again before she passed away In January of 2010.
Thank you for everything and to Joan Grant (Admin) who went above and beyond to help me find him, I’m so grateful. We’ve now clarified it was indeed Roger so my search is over but I’m grateful he’s finally been located after nearly 55 years of walking out of the family’s front door. Thank you guys!"
Addy Tawse
"Missing Persons UK and Beyond helped me tremendously and they did it effortlessly, generously, and with compassion.
Finding my mother had become uppermost in my mind, but the trail had gone cold for me.
Laura Collins offered her genealogical expertise and, in the end, presented me with a fifty plus page report that proved my lineage. I could not have deciphered the DNA data myself, nor was I able to come to Scotland to sift through legal documents. Laura did all of that for me. And despite her having a home life and other clients, she was always quick to reply to any questions I might have, or ready with an update on her progress.
I will be eternally grateful to this charitable organization.
For anyone who is missing a piece of their life’s puzzle or worse, who have had a loved one go missing, I highly recommend this adept organization.
Also, please support them. They work tirelessly for free.
Brava Missing Persons UK and Beyond!"
Francis Sullivan
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In the U.K someone goes missing every 2 minutes & the impact this has is immense.
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Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond
125 Parkside Street
Rosyth
Fife
KY11 2NF
Contact us
Call: 0800 246 1093
Text: 07592455054
Email: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
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