Missing People Gala Raises £300,000 for Vital Services

The annual Night of Light Gala, organized by the charity Missing People in partnership with The Independent, successfully raised £300,000 to support services for families affected by the disappearance of loved ones. The event, held on Thursday, featured a charity auction that included custom shoes worn by Claudia Winkleman, a lunch with charity patron Sir Stephen Fry, and two paintings by Team GB artist Ben Mosley, which collectively raised £42,000.

The Independent

The funds will primarily support the charity's SafeCall initiative, launched earlier this year to provide free and confidential support for children and young people at risk of going missing. Ross Miller, interim chief executive of Missing People, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “The evening was filled with warmth, compassion, and a shared determination to support missing people, and the people important to them.”

The Independent

SafeCall was developed with significant contributions from The Independent’s readers, who raised over £165,000 through a Christmas fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to offer immediate help to young individuals contemplating going missing, addressing a critical need within the community. Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, remarked on the significance of the service, noting that it provides a much-needed lifeline for vulnerable youth.

The Independent

Catherine O’Sullivan, a mother whose son Jack has been missing since March 2024, shared her personal experience at the gala. She described the emotional turmoil of having a loved one disappear, stating, “In life when someone dies, there is grief. When someone goes missing there is grief, fear, hope, confusion and thousands of unanswered questions.” O’Sullivan highlighted the essential role Missing People has played in her family's search, calling it “an important lifeline.”

The Independent

The gala served not only as a fundraising event but also as a platform for raising awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by families of missing individuals. O’Sullivan expressed gratitude for the support provided by Missing People, stating, “They support families when the world moves on, but the nightmare does not. They provide practical guidance, emotional support, publicity, and importantly, advocacy.”

The Independent

While the event was largely celebrated, some critics argue that more needs to be done to prevent individuals from going missing in the first place. They emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of why young people feel compelled to leave their homes.

The Independent

• “open image in gallery Two paintings by artist Ben Mosley, left, raised £42,000 – including one which was painted during the event ( Missing People ) Ross Miller, the interim chief executive of Missing People, said: “The evening was filled with warmth, compassion, and a shared determination to support missing people, and the people important to them.” — Ross Miller, Interim Chief Executive, Missing People

The Independent

• “Missing People has been there at the worst time in our lives. Not just as a charity, but as an important lifeline. They support families when the world moves on, but the nightmare does not. They provide practical guidance, emotional support, publicity, and importantly, advocacy.” — Catherine O’Sullivan, Mother of Missing Person

The Independent

• “He said: “We’re delighted to have supported Missing People's Night of Light Gala, where a phenomenal amount of money was raised.” — Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief, The Independent

The Independent

The Night of Light Gala not only raised substantial funds but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by families of missing persons, reinforcing the critical need for services like SafeCall.

The Independent