GumFighters help National Missing Persons Appeals

Added: (Thu Sep 20 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) -



GUMFIGHTERS HELP NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS APPEALS /
IT’S A KNOCKOUT CHAMPIONS MISSING PERSONS


The National Missing Persons Helpline (NMPH) is delighted to announce that GumFighters UK will be helping NMPH with appeals for vulnerable missing persons. GumFighters UK have joined forces with CHaMPS (Construction Helping Missing Persons Scheme) and will be providing 17 vans. That makes a total of 150 lorries and vans which will travel all over the country, carrying posters on the back with appeals for vulnerable missing people together with NMPH’s confidential helpline number.

Says GumFighters Marketing Director, Mark Williams-Thomas, “As an ex-police officer having worked on a considerable number of missing persons cases I know personally of the heartache that is caused by the loss of a loved one. I am therefore very pleased to use the high profile image of GumFighters to join forces with CHaMPS to help raise the circulation of appeals for vulnerable missing people across the country. I was in fact one of the first police officers to become involved with the
NMPH when it was established in 1992 and I am very delighted to be able to continue with my support for the excellent work they do.”

The next missing persons appeal launch will be on Saturday 29th September at Walton Hall in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. As part of the day’s event, there will be an
“It’s a Knockout competition” where 15 teams will be competing in games involving giant inflatables, obstacles and plenty of water! Contestants expect to get very wet, but all in the name of a good cause. All proceeds of the event go to National Missing Persons Helpline – a charity which helps missing people and those left behind. The event also sees the launch of the latest missing persons appeal for Paddy Warren and David Spencer which will be going out on the back of the Champs lorries nationwide.

Paddy Warren, now 16 and David Spencer, now 17, went missing together on Boxing Day 1996. Paddy was only 11 years old, and David was 13. It is nearly 5 years since their families have seen or heard from them.

Both boys lived near each other in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham. They went to the same school, and had become good friends. After spending christmas with their families, the boys said that they would be staying the night of the 26th December with Paddy’s elder brother. However, they didn’t stay with him and haven’t been seen since.

There have been unconfirmed sightings of the boys all over the country, including in Warwickshire, but unfortunately they are still missing. The families of both boys have never given up hope that one day they will hear some news. Family members will attend the launch of the new appeal on 29th September at Walton Hall and be available to talk to the press.


Cont/.. (Publicity photocall at midday on Friday 28th September at GumFighters




150 lorries and vans travel nationwide daily with appeals for vulnerable missing people and details of how to contact the Missing Persons Helpline on the back of their vehicles. The CHaMPS scheme (Construction Helping Missing Persons Scheme) began in Jan 2001, as an initiative of Capco Interior Supplies. So far two people have
been featured on the 135 lorries taking part in the scheme and both cases have been resolved.

Mary Asprey, co-founder of the charity said of the Champs venture, “What better way to appeal for vulnerable missing people nationwide than on lorries which travel the length of the UK. This is a unique way of reaching out to the public and asking for their help in trying to find missing people.”

Note to Editor/Reporter/Photographer:

At midday on Friday 28th September a publicity photocall will take place at GumFighters Head Office, Norcutt House , Norcutt Road, Twickenham.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Williams-Thomas – Marketing Director of GumFighters UK 020 8893 8983 or mobile (07776 184026)

Sophie Woodforde, Head of Press & Publicity for NMPH (020 8392 4511/4512)

Diana van den Dungen – Marketing Manager of Champs (01582 569 407)


Ends