PETER LAWRENCE, father of the missing University of York chef, Claudia, has renewed his pleas for someone to come forward with information about her disappearance on 18 March last year (News, 26 June 2009).
He and Martin Dales, a General Synod member, have continued to issue appeals, mount regular press conferences, and use occasions such as this first anniversary to keep Miss Lawrence in the public eye. Balloons were released in a high-profile ceremony in York three weeks ago on the eve of her 36th birthday, when the BBC TV programme Crimewatch also updated the case.
Thirty police officers are still working on the case, and were due to mount another press conference on Wednesday to update the media on the investigation, and to announce the circulation on YouTube of a new 60-second video.
Mr Lawrence, who is a member of the congregation at York Minster and sings in its Vale of York Voices choir, has been supported throughout his ordeal by the Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu. Both men believe Miss Lawrence is still alive.
“It’s fine calling it a murder investigation, but in the absence of any evidence, there is no reason why we shouldn’t keep hopeful. That’s pretty much the Christian way,” Mr Dales said.