The partner of a Brighton woman who left home more than seven months ago and never returned says she still hopes she will be found safe and well.
Gillian Affleck, 50, went missing from her home in Patcham on 24 August last year, with no money and has not accessed her bank account or phone since.
Her partner Martina Walton has urged anyone who sees her or knows where she is to let her or the police know.
Ms Walton, her partner of ten years, said: “She’s very happy, very easy to talk to. She was very happy go lucky and very laid back and this is why this is so out of the blue, to become so unhappy so quickly.
“We first found out on 24 August. She went out and didn’t return home. It’s completely out of character. She had become very depressed, but nothing like that had happened before.
“I try to think that nothing bad has happened. It’s difficult because she hasn’t accessed her bank account and I know she left with no money, so it’s difficult to know what has happened.”
Last month, Ms Walton and the Missing People charity held a Walk for Gill, from Patcham across the South Downs to the Chattri, to contine the appeal and also to raise money for the charity.
She said: “We want to raise awareness of Missing People charity. I have been in contact with them since August and they have been a huge help. I can call them any time I like, any time day or night.
“I wish people we more aware of the helpline number – as well as supporting families, they have got counsellors specially trained in speaking to people who are thinking of going missing
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped make the walk a success. If anybody does see Gill, or knows where she is, to ring the missing persons helpline, they don’t necessarily have to be in contact with me.”
Gillian is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall with a medium build. She has shoulder-length hair and was last seen wearing a thin blue or grey three-quarter- length sleeve top, a grey stone effect Peter Storm waterproof jacket, brown ankle boots and a knitted grey scarf. She was carrying a grey Karrimor rucksack.
Missing People publicity coordinator Ian Roullier said: “Our helpline is here at any time to support people who are missing or thinking of going missing and their loved ones, like Martina, who are left behind.
“Gillian, if you are reading this, please call or text us in confidence on our free phone number, 116 000. We can’t trace your call. We just want to provide you with the support you need and help you to be safe.”
If anyone has seen Gillian, they should contact Missing People anonymously by calling 116 000 or by emailing 116000@missingpeople.org.uk or call the police on 101.
The charity’s helpline is operated by staff and volunteers. It is free to contact and open 24 hours a day thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Sightings and information about any missing person can also be given anonymously through the Missing People website at www.missingpeople.org.uk/sightings.
