This month marks the 20th anniversary of a case where a holidaymaker went missing in Tenby, during what was meant to be a leisurely golfing weekend in the seaside town. Whilst there haven’t been any significant leads following his disappearance all those years ago, his family still hold out hope that one day he may be found.

James Nutley was 25 when he went missing on October 24, 2004. A keen golfer, he was with friends for the break, but after a night out in the town, he headed back to his hotel, and was never seen again. The following day, his driving licence, amongst other cards, were found on South Beach.

A person is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK; and ‘Missing People’ is the only charity in the UK which is dedicated to bringing the almost 170,000 children and adults that go missing every year back together with their families.

Founded in 1993 by sisters Mary Asprey OBE and Janet Newman OBE, Missing People provides specialist support to people who are missing, and the families and friends left behind.

Some missing people you will have heard of, but many more you won’t. For their families, life without them must be a desperate and unbearable struggle; especially for those that cannot bring closure to matters, where an agonising wait can turn into years, not just days.

Barely a day seems to go by of late where Dyfed-Powys Police haven’t posted on social media an appeal for information to find someone that has been reported missing in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthenshire.

Thankfully, a high number are found within a few hours of them going missing, but reasons for someone taking off without telling anyone can relate to various factors such as a relationship breakdown, problems at home, homelessness, and mental health.

James Nutley appeal
To refresh public memory, James's family have commissioned an age progressed image of him in his 40s. Credit: Tim Widden Forensic Artist. (Pic: Tim Widden Forensic Artist)

Most of the people who are reported missing may be experiencing some kind of vulnerability or risk. This can be exacerbated by being missing, particularly where someone goes missing more than once.

You can contact ‘Missing People’ by calling or texting 116 000 for advice, support and options if you, or someone you love, goes missing or runs away.

It offers support to people affected by a disappearance via its free, confidential Helpline and can launch a publicity appeal to help bring missing people home.

Further guidance and ways to access help and support can be found at: www.missingpeople.org.uk