Family refuse to give up hope in search for missing mother

THE family of a woman who mysteriously disappeared from her home say they have not given up hope as a massive publicity campaign is launched.

Mark and Lynsey McVey have distributed thousands of leaflets and put up posters around East Lothian following the disappearance of their mother, Elizabeth.

More than 4,000 people have already joined a Facebook group, set up by a friend to help spread the word. East Lothian Council is also appealing on its website, saying Mrs McVey was a "very popular" member of staff.

Mrs McVey, 50, who worked in the council's customer services department, left her home in Eskview Road, Musselburgh, in the early hours of Monday morning. Her husband, Michael, raised the alarm when he woke at 7:30am and found she had gone.

Police launched a huge search, even using a helicopter to scour the local area, while the Queensferry lifeboat and coastguards have also combed the coastline.

Mark, 26, said her disappearance had left the family distraught, but they were determined not to give up hope.

He said: "We're just trying to stay positive. The support has helped a lot. The police have had a lot of calls, although most of the leads don't go anywhere.

"This has been very hard for us. We're just a normal family and we're very close. We never thought something like this could happen. My dad has taken it worst – they've been married for 29 years.

"There's still hope, although obviously you can't help thinking the worst."

Mrs McVey, who was known to her friends as Libby, was well known in the local community. She was involved in amateur dramatics and was a volunteer at Our Lady of Loretto church.

Her children have distributed flyers to shops throughout Musselburgh, Haddington and other parts of East Lothian. They have also produced posters featuring a photo of Mrs McVey.

Writing on the Facebook group page, daughter Lynsey said: "We really appreciate everybody showing their support. My family are lucky to be part of such a great community in this difficult time."

East Lothian Council has also issued an appeal to staff to help find her. A spokeswoman said: "She is a very popular member of staff. She is the first face many visitors see."

A police spokeswoman said: "We'd encourage anyone who has got any information to get in touch."