Joan Lawrence speaks on nine month anniversary of Claudia’s disappearance (From York Press)

Joan Lawrence speaks on nine month anniversary of Claudia’s disappearance

9:08am Friday 18th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

THE mother of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence says her only wish for the festive season is a phone call saying her daughter is safe.

Speaking exactly nine months after Claudia’s mysterious disappearance, Joan Lawrence said she was dreading her first Christmas without her daughter.

Claudia, 35, has not been seen since March 18 and despite a huge police manhunt, no trace of her has yet been found.

Mrs Lawrence, 66, who lives in Norton, said: “I find myself in an awful nightmare. This is my first Christmas without Claudia for 35 years. I have been dreading it, but I can’t stop it coming.

“I miss Claudia so much. We did Christmas shopping together and I had my Christmas lunch at her little cottage with her last year.

“I miss her phone calls and her smile and her sense of humour. We always had something to laugh about. I shall be spending Christmas with my eldest daughter, son-in-law and beautiful grandchildren. Claudia loves her nephews very much and is so proud of them.”

Mrs Lawrence, who is divorced from Claudia’s father, Peter, said she had been buoyed by many letters and cards from well-wishers.

She said: “All I wish for is a call to say Claudia is alive and safe somewhere. She knows where I will be if I’m not at home. My faith, family and friends will give me strength to get through the festive season, and if anyone attends a church service at Christmas perhaps they will think of me and all other people who have loved ones missing at this time.”

Meanwhile, Mr Lawrence was today marking the nine-month anniversary of his daughter’s disappearance by travelling to London to make a fresh appeal for information to help find Claudia.

He was due to give a press conference at King’s Cross Station this afternoon.

His friend and spokesman Martin Dales said: “It was six months ago when we were last in London campaigning and we felt it was time to come back even if it is one of the busiest travelling days of the year.

“Christmas is going to be an extremely difficult time for Peter and the family as this will be the first Christmas without Claudia being around unless a miracle happens.”

Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Claudia’s disappearance. If you have information, phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Print
• Email
• Share