Family's torment one year after Mary vanishes

Jun 18 2009 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

Mary Ferns

THE FAMILY of a pensioner who vanished without a trace has issued a fresh appeal for information on the anniversary of her disappearance.

Mary Ferns (89), went missing a year ago after leaving her home in Howden to go shopping at Livingston Centre but Mary, also known as May, has not been traced or been in touch with her family since.

Her stepdaughter, Anne Foster, said it had been a terrible year for them while May’s husband Bill said his family needs closure.

Bill said: “It’s been a long and difficult year for all of us and no one will be surprised to hear that we are now fearing the worst. Although we’re all trying to move on, a part of us is always hoping May will walk through the door.

“Even if the worst has happened, we need some kind of closure, we need to know what’s happened to May and I am asking anyone with any information that could help us to contact police and let us move on with our lives.”

Stepdaughter Anne said the year had been tough for the whole family, particularly at special occasions like Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries

She told the Courier this week: “She is on my mind every day, there is no closure and it’s upsetting not knowing what has happened.

“Christmas was particularly bad as we generally spent it as a family with May.

“We really hope that this appeal for information will jog somebody’s memory.”

Detective Inspector Eamonn Keane has led the enquiry into Mary’s disappearance on June 17 last year and he stressed the case will remain open until May is traced.

He said: “I’m disappointed to say there is nothing fresh to report a year on since the disappearance of May

“Despite continued investigation and extensive coverage in the media, both locally and nationally, there have been no more confirmed sightings since May was caught on CCTV cameras in Edinburgh’s Princes Street on the day she went missing.

“Being totally realistic, we are now expecting the worst.

“However, we will not close this case until we can provide some answers for May’s family and friends.

“Lothian and Borders Police shall not give up hope of finding May alive, and will continue to do all we can to find out what has happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.