Missing Bourne man's family thank the community

A family has praised the community for its overwhelming support when a man went missing for 17 hours overnight.

Robert Pell left home for a regular walk into Bourne Woods on Friday lunchtime but failed to return home.

His anxious wife Diana raised the alarm a couple of hours later, fearing the 76-year-old may have had an accident.

Robert, of Tarragon Way, Bourne, underwent a hip replacement in September and was on a regular walk to build up his strength. As such, he was walking with crutches.

His son Richard Pell said: “Mum was really worried when she couldn’t find him and realised he hadn’t taken his phone.”

Richard went straight up to the woods himself but couldn’t see any sign of his dad.

As the daylight began to fade, the family called the police who quickly put out an appeal for sightings of Robert across their social media.

The appeal was shared hundreds of times and volunteers quickly took to the streets to join the search. The police helicopter also circled.

Richard, of Westwood Drive, said: “The amount of people out looking was unbelievable. The way the community pulls together at times like this is amazing.”

One couple in particular held the key to finding Robert safe and well.

Shona and Jamie Rae contacted the police after seeing the appeal on Facebook to say they had seen a man matching Robert’s description in the woods near the ponds.

Richard and his son Nathan headed to the spot and found Robert just before 8am on Saturday, 350 yards away from where the couple had spotted him.

Richard said: “Without them it would have been like looking for a needle in a haystack.

“Dad had gone too far and got disorientated but rather than stumble through the woods in the dark, he found shelter where it was dry and the ground was warm.

“When we found him he was cold and a bit disorientated, but he was OK considering how long he was out there.”

Robert was taken to Peterborough City Hospital where he was treated for dehydration. He was discharged on Monday.

Richard said: “We will be forever in debt to the community. It could have been such a different outcome.

“It’s like winning the lottery - better than winning.”

Robert is now recovering at home with the family.

Richard added: “It’s a relief to have him home. The community really pulled together and as a family we can’t thank them enough.

“He’s a bit embarrassed by it all but overwhelmed by the people who wanted to help.

“He’ll be back out walking when he can but will make sure he always takes his phone with him.

“This was the one time he didn’t take it.”