News Archives

Legacy of love left by Jeffrey

16th January 2003

"Father Bernard Elsdon spoke to hundreds of mourners packed into a church in Stockport as Jeffrey Hodgson was finally laid to rest after 18 months of torment for his family. The funeral was at Jeffrey's local church, St. Matthew's in Edgeley, and Father Elsdon described how his disappearance prompted a huge groundswell of support from thousands of people who rallied round his parents Beryl and Derek. LOVED BY EVERYONE: Jeffrey Hodgson He said: "None of us can possibly know just how they felt, or have felt ever since - not unless we have suffered such an experience ourselves. But very soon, dozens, then hundreds, then thousands of people showed their deep concern and desire to help, and thousands of posters were distributed to try to trace Jeffrey." Jeffrey, 38, who had a mental age of eight, disappeared as his parents were checking into their hotel in Ibiza on July 8, 2001. The M.E.N. flew to Ibiza to help in the search for Jeffrey and an action group was formed to help and raise funds. His remains were eventually discovered by climbers at the bottom of a cliff on the outskirts of the resort in October last year. Mr. and Mrs Hodgson said: "Jeffrey was a happy child whom turned into a friendly and likeable man who everyone loved. "Jeffrey had so many friends in and around Stockport who have all been wonderful since he went missing." "

FINAL JOURNEY: Flowers in the colours of Stockport County are laid on Jeffrey's coffin

The Stockport Times (Express) reported:-
"HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at St. Matthew’s Church in Edgeley to pay their final respects to tragic Jeffrey Hodgson. Jeffrey went missing in July 2001, minutes after arriving with his parents for a holiday on the Spanish party island of Ibiza. Following a large scale search, which covered parts of mainland Europe, his body was sadly discovered down a ravine, only minutes away from his hotel in the resort of Cala Llonga. Jeffrey was 38 when he went missing and was described by his family as ‘a child in a mans body’. He was known to hundreds of people in and around Edgeley for his friendly smile and lively personality. As the hearse pulled up outside the church, on Grenville Street, mourners watched in silence as Jeffrey’s coffin was carried into the building by his father, Derek, and other close family members. The half-hour church service was led by Father Bernard Elsdon, who paid tribute to Jeffrey and said: “Though the memory of these long days since July 8 2001 can never be erased, today is the day for a new start to be made and to go forward into our lives as they stretch ahead with happy memories of Jeffrey and all that he meant to so many people.” Wreathes of flowers were laid outside the church, many with poignant messages of tribute to a lost son, brother and friend. A card from Jeffrey’s parents, Beryl and Derek read: “We tried so hard to find you Jeffrey. Your brothers, sisters too. The family and friends have worked so hard hoping for the same thing too. Nanas and grandads please take care of Jeffrey until we both join you. You do realise that heaven will never be quite the same once Jeffrey is there.” In a statement released before the funeral, Beryl and Derek said: “Today is a very difficult day for everyone who knew Jeffrey and we would like people to take the opportunity to remember Jeffrey as he was. “He was such a happy child who turned into a friendly and likable man who everyone loved. Jeffrey would talk to everyone and had so many friends in and around Stockport, who have all been wonderful since he went missing. “Thanks to the support of family, friends and everyone who knew Jeffrey. He was able to live a full and relatively normal life. He had as much freedom as we could have ever hoped for. “Since Jeffrey’s body was discovered we have been inundated by cards from well wishers and we would like to thank them for all their support. "The whole family would like to give special thanks to our Family and Friends Action Group who met every month planning the next step forward and already had events organised for further fund-raising so we could continue in our search for Jeffrey. “We would also like to thank the people of Stockport who have been very supportive helping to raise money for the search abroad. “Last but not least we would like to thank the local media who have all been most supportive.” "

As stated above, Jeffrey`s funeral service in St. Matthews church was attended by hundreds of people with standing room only at the rear.
Father Elsdon gave a wonderful eulogy of Jeffrey describing how, even with his learning difficulties he became an integral and well known part of his community both in his locality of Edgeley and the greater area of Stockport where he was known to thousands of people. It is a great credit to his parents that he was allowed to be as free as a bird and travelled widely around the public transport system calling regularly in on his friends at the police and fire stations and the bus station canteen.
Jeffrey perhaps had more freedom in his life than any of us, unconstrained by the day to day pressures most of us face. It is also a mark of his local community who accepted his presence and watched over him daily.
Beryl & Derek would like to thank everyone for their kindness, help and generosity over the last 18 months and to those who helped Jeffrey to have a wonderful life.

Funeral Arranged for 15th January

10th January 2003
Jeffrey`s funeral has been arranged for Wednesday 15th January 2003.
A service will be held at St. Matthews Church in Edgeley, Stockport at 12.00 noon, followed by an interment at Mill Lane Cemetary, Cheadle at 1.15pm.
All wellwishers are invited to attend.
Further details can be had by calling John Brierley funeral directors.
The family says flowers may be sent and donations sent in lieu of flowers will go to RESCARE.

Jeffrey Arrives Back in Stockport

20th December 2002
Jeffrey has finally returned to Stockport today following an emotional trip by the family to retrieve him from Ibiza. The family flew out to Ibiza on Sunday 15th December.
A frank and open meeting was held with the Consulate on Monday who arranged for a meeting with the Spanish Police the following day. At the specific request of the family, the meeting with the Spanish Police on the Tuesday was preceded by a visit to the precise spot where Jeffrey had been found some two months earlier.
On Tuesday, the Spanish Police met the family and some friends at the area where Jeffrey had gone missing back in July 2001. It is the belief of the Spanish Police that, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, Jeffrey made his own way to the spot where he had eventually been found some 15 months later.
The family wished to retrace Jeffrey's steps and assess in their own minds how likely it was that this was the case.
The route on which the family was taken is described below.
A significant number of the local media were present upon arrival in Cala Llonga, who conducted interviews prior to the family and some friends visiting the spot where Jeffrey had been found.
Media representatives had already been informed by the Spanish Police that they were not permitted to follow the family and their party to the spot in question.
Firstly, the party were taken in a Police 4x4 vehicle up a road that leads up the headland behind the hotels in Cala Llonga. After 1.2 km, it was no longer safe to proceed by vehicle, and the party proceeded on foot for a further 25 minute climb up a steep dirt track, estimated at a further 2 km.
The Police then indicated that the party would need to leave the track and head off down into a ravine. Such was the nature of the terrain (dense bushes, trees, and very rocky) that only a few of the party were able to continue following the Police. Despite numerous warnings from the Police that it may be too dangerous to continue, a few members of the party managed to reach the precise spot where Jeffrey had been found.
It had taken a further 35 minutes since leaving the dirt track to reach this spot through dense undergrowth. At times, the party had to resort to clambering on all fours.
Following a brief discussion with the Police, they vacated the area at the family's request. Flowers were laid at the spot where Jeffrey was found, by Jeffrey's brothers, David and Stephen.
At the request of Beryl and Derek, Jeffrey's parents, video footage and still photos were taken showing the spot where Jeffrey had been found as well as of the route from where he originally went missing.
A private meeting with the Police was then held in order that the family could present all of the questions that they had. The meeting was very open and honest, the Police conceding that lessons had been learned and that, in hindsight, perhaps more could have been done at the time of Jeffrey's disappearance.
It is the opinion of Jeffrey's family that he could not have walked over 3 km up a steep rocky mountain track, and then wandered down into a ravine for a further half an hour though thick undergrowth, particularly bearing in mind that he had gone missing at night time, i.e. it would have been dark. Jeffrey's family not only feel that he would be physically incapable of making such a journey without assistance, but also that it is quite simply not in his nature to attempt to do so.
Jeffrey has always been attracted to people, noise and activity.
To his family, it is therefore inconceivable that Jeffrey would choose to wander 3 km up a dark mountainside in preference to exploring somewhere as lively as Cala Llonga. So, the situation is that the Spanish Police feel that Jeffrey has wandered off to the spot where he was eventually found some 15 months later (which in itself gives a fair idea of how remote the spot was), where as Jeffrey's family are unable to accept this conclusion and cannot comprehend why Jeffrey would have attempted, or how he could have achieved such an arduous trek, without assistance from others.
The views and concerns of the family are shared by many of their friends both on and off Ibiza.
Just what did happen in-between Jeffrey going missing and his body being found in a ravine more than 3 km away? Jeffrey is now back in Stockport and the British authorities, specifically the British Coroner, will now investigate further.
There are certainly plenty of unanswered questions worthy of further consideration. Jeffrey's family now intend to meet with the British Coroner as soon as possible, not only in order to offer their assistance, but also to express their concerns as to the conclusion reached by the Spanish Police.
Jeffrey's family wish to thank both the British Consulate and the Spanish Police for meeting with them. Also, particular thanks to Tony who joined the family on their visit to the spot where Jeffrey was found (contrary to advice received), and at their meeting with the Spanish Police, playing an invaluable role as interpreter. Jeffrey's family also wish to express their thanks to all those on Ibiza who have continued to support their efforts, as well as the Ibiza media for their continuing interest in this tragic story.
It is hoped that as Jeffrey's family continue to search for the truth, regular updates can be provided via this web site. However, any advice received from the British Authorities who have now taken over the investigation, will have to be taken account of.
The mystery however deepens as coroners here have confirmed that there was no sign of injury in any form to Jeffrey and his clothes were clean & undamaged.
Sympathy cards and messages have flooded in to the family home not only from local sources but also from locations around the UK and the rest of the world where people have been following his story in news bulletins and the Internet.
The friends and family of Jeffrey would like to thank everyone for their kindness, help and concern over the last 18 months. It is a great comfort to know that Jeffrey was so highly regarded and thought of by his local community and that he has encouraged acts of genuine kindness by folk previously unknown to the family.
Again a very big thankyou to everybody.
Jeffrey will have a service and funeral early in the new year. More details of this will be posted on this site when available.

Spanish Authorities Confirm DNA Match- Jeffrey can Come Home

30th November 2002
It was confirmed yesterday by the Foreign Office that the Spanish authorities have finally completed the DNA testing and have confirmed that it is indeed Jeffrey.
It has taken them over 6 weeks and several attempts to make this DNA confirmation which has caused the family of Jeffrey great distress over this period.
At last we can concentrate on getting him home where he belongs.

Jeffrey`s Body found

16th October 2002
Devastating news came in from Ibiza via the Foreign Office in the early hours of this morning that the body of a man, with clothes matching those that Jeffrey was wearing at the time of his disappearance, has been found on a hillside in Cala Llonga. Initial identifications by dental records would seem to confirm that it is Jeffrey and that he has been there since his disappearance. DNA testing will take some days.
We are all deeply upset at the discovery. more news will be posted as the authorities release more details.
Our thoughts are with Jeffs family at this time who are being comforted by relatives and friends.

Spanish Media Broadcasts across Spain

29th September 2002
The Family & Friends of Jeffrey wish to thank Marie Mathers of the Greater Manchester Police for all of her efforts in organising the huge publicity drive that has marked Jeffrey's 40th birthday.
National coverage in the UK was achieved across all media including local television, national radio and national newspapers.
What will not be obvious from the UK however, is the impact in Spain where the publicity drive has also been in full swing. Reports coming in from Beryl and Derek, who flew out to Spain last weekend, are that they have been overwhelmed by the interest that has been whipped up.
They have received a fantastic reception and have already conducted many news conferences since their arrival.
There has also been an appearance on Spanish television that was broadcast "coast to coast" in Spain. More news conferences and publicity events are planned during the next week.
The publicity is opening more doors for FFJ to explore upon Beryl and Derek's return to the UK in a weeks time. All being well, once the publicity efforts have been exhausted on the Spanish Mainland, Beryl and Derek will return to the UK via Ibiza which in reality remains the focus of the search for Jeffrey.

Widespread Press Coverage on Jeff`s 40th Birthday

28th September 2002
Today started with widespread media coverage about Jeffrey`s story so far.
BBC news , Radio 4 & 5, BBC online and the Manchester evening news all carry the story of Jeff`s disappearance and appeal yet again for information leading to his recovery.
His parents are in mainland Spain at present and media broadcasts have been transmitted there.
If Jeffrey had been at home today, his family and friends would have thrown a huge party for him. Today is a particularly difficult day for all the family, but they are determined to keep their spirits up. Jeffrey's parents, Beryl and Derek said: "Every day since Jeffrey disappeared has been very difficult, but his 40th birthday is even harder for all the family and friends. Everywhere we go is a constant reminder of Jeffrey." "Jeffrey is always excited about birthdays and Christmas and we would have been planning a massive birthday party for Jeffrey today, we will have to put that on hold but when he does come home you can guarantee it will be the biggest celebration Stockport has ever seen." "Jeffrey always gets up really early on his birthday and can't wait to open his presents, he is just like a little boy."

A press release has been made available to the media. Click here for details.

Possible Sightings Investigated

16th September 2002
Two possible sightings of Jeffrey on September 7th and 11th have been investigated by the Spanish Police and both ruled out in terms of being Jeffrey.
Kim Delboy, who owns a bar called Delboy's in Portinax which has a Jeffrey poster on display, reported that several customers (including Mrs Delboy) had reported seeing someone resembling Jeffrey on the beach near by and at the local shops over a period of days.
A Guardia Civil patrol attended the area, spoke to the gentleman concerned, and confirmed that he was not Jeffrey.
Once again, the publicity on Ibiza appears to be working well. Those sighting someone who they think is Jeffrey, are now being encouraged to take a photograph if possible and also to engage the person in conversation.
News of the massive publicity campaign that will mark Jeffrey's 40th birthday on 28th September will follow shortly. Any media who wish to receive a press pack should contact FFOJ.

GMP - Public Relations get behind FFOJ

31st August 2002
The Press & Public Relations Branch of Greater Manchester Police have been in contact with Beryl and Derek and plan a large scale publicity campaign in both Spain and the UK to mark Jeffrey's 40th birthday on 28th September 2002.
A GMP press release to all relevant media will include the story so far, photographs, video footage and radio interviews. It is hoped that significant publicity across all media including television will be generated in both Spain and the UK.
GMP have already spent time with Beryl and Derek putting together this "media pack", and the interpreters of FFOJ are now working hard to translate into Spanish as required.
This is a welcome development and FFOJ are very grateful to the Greater Manchester Police for their assistance.
Beryl and Derek are now to visit Danny Collins of the Costa Blanca News in Benidorm, pending the publicity that will be generated through the GMP initiative to ensure that it ties in with local initiatives.

Mainland search strategy

21st August 2002
A sighting at the Hostal Flamingo has been investigated, but unfortunately it was not Jeffrey. The person seen was a German man called Stefan who has been going to Ibiza on holiday, and staying at that Hostal, for the last five years. It is not the first time that somebody has gone up to him thinking that he is Jeffrey.
On a positive note, the publicity on the island is obviously still working well.
The Family & Friends of Jeffrey (FFOJ) action group have today released details of the strategy to extend the search for Jeffrey to the Spanish mainland. The search of the mainland will start in Benidorm aided by Danny Collins of the Costa Blanca News who's support and assistance to date has been greatly appreciated by FFOJ.
Beryl and Derek, Jeffrey's parents plan to visit Danny in Benidorm during the first week of September.
The primary purpose of this initial visit to mainland Spain is to put FFOJ publicity into full swing along the Spanish coast.
It is hoped that press conferences can be held in order to get the story into the public eye, and that this could also be followed up by appearance on local television and radio.
Efforts will also be made to get as many of the Jeffrey posters on public display as possible.
Beryl and Derek are also looking forward to personally thanking Danny Collins of the Costa Blanca News for his support to date. This initial publicity trip will then be followed up by a larger scale search focusing on the Costa Del Sol later in September.

Action Group meet Foreign Office representative

Friday 9th August.
The Family and Friends of Jeffrey (FFOJ) Action Group met with Andrew Cronin from the Foreign Office, as well as members of Stockport Police.
Our sincere thanks go to Andrew Cronin, who travelled from London especially for the meeting and also to Stockport Police for attending at short notice.
The Foreign Office continue to maintain interest in Jeffrey's case as a British National who is missing abroad. However, it was clear from the meeting, that Andrew Cronin is also taking a personal interest which does our cause no harm at all.
Stockport Police remain concerned as Beryl and Derek, Jeffrey's parents come under their jurisdiction and assured FFOJ that Jeffrey's file would not be closed until he was found.
Stockport Police will continue to liaise with their Spanish counterparts through Interpol.
The consensus at the meeting was that the search must now focus on the Spanish coast, with Benidorm (where Jeffrey has been on holiday before) our most likely starting point. Efforts will now concentrate on publicising the case on the Spanish coast.
The Foreign Office will be providing details of organisations that may be able to assist, and then FFOJ will take it from there.
There is a ex-pat community of around 450,000 on the south coast of Spain.

Family & Friends of Jeffrey reflect on anniversary of his disappearance

2nd Aug 2002
The FFOJ were in reflective mood at the first meeting to be held following Beryl and Derek's return to the UK. In recognition that a year has now passed, a action group of just seven (including Beryl and Derek, Jeffrey's parents) has been created and will be led by John Fitzpatrick. The primary function of the action group is to better coordinate efforts and to fully utilise the significant resources that are available to FFOJ. Looking back over the first year of the campaign to find Jeffrey, Graham Privett (secretary to the action group) said, "The support that FFOJ has received during the first year from all concerned has been amazing and at times overwhelming. We cannot thank people enough, and we want them all to know that the search goes on. The formation of the action group is the first step towards redoubling our efforts. Whilst there is hope we will never give up the search for Jeffrey."
The group recognises that the patience, and support of the authorities involved has been commendable considering the resources available. The work put in by the Foreign Office, the British Consulate, and in particular the Spanish Police, has been very much appreciated which considering it is now a year since Jeffrey's disappearance is very encouraging and by working together we feel that positive results can be achieved soon.
John Fitzpatrick, who will lead the action group, commented, "Our first step is to speak to the authorities, review what has been achieved to date, and get advice as to where to focus our efforts now."
Further news from the action group will be released as the strategy emerges for the search for Jeffrey to extend into its second year.

Costa Blanca News Headlines Jeffrey

31st July 2002
The weekly Costa Blanca News published on 26th July 2002 brought to the forefront Jeffrey`s disappearance once again-raising the possibility that he might have travelled to Benidorm. The article is printed below:-
"Costa Blanca link to year old mystery
By CBN News Editor DANNY COLLINS
"NEW EVIDENCE IN THE SEARCH FOR MISSING BRIT JEFFREY HODGSON MAY MEAN THAT THE 39-YEAR-OLD RETARDED MALE - WHO DISAPPEARED FROM IBIZA ON JULY 8, 2001 - IS LIVING SOMEWHERE ON THE COSTA BLANCA. CBN investigators aiding the search for Mr. Hodgson received reports of sightings in Denia and Benidorm just days after his disappearance from the forecourt of Imperial Aparthotel in Cala Llonga, Ibiza. Police, however, doubted the missing Brit, who has the mental age of eight, could have made his way unaccompanied from the islands." It was revealed " that Jeffrey was angry that he had not been taken to Benidorm - his favourite holiday destination - and had argued with his parents. It is now possible that Jeffrey hitchhiked from Ibiza to Benidorm via the Denia ferry. Mr. Simon Owens (who has been voluntarily assisting the family in Spain) stressed, "It's only a theory, but the fact is Ibiza is a relatively small island and some indication of Jeffrey's presence should have appeared by now. Jeffrey's parents, friends and family have distributed 90,000 leaflets in Ibiza. There is a reward of £11,000 for Jeffrey's safe return. Please ask your readers to be on the alert for any possible sightings." Jeffrey Hodgson is of medium build, height 1.70 metres, with blue eyes and dark brown receding and greying hair. He is approachable and very friendly. Anyone with information should contact Costa Blanca Newsdesk on 96 585 52 87 extension 13 or the local police. Further information on the search for Jeffrey Hodgson is available on www.wheresjeffrey.org "
Our sincere thanks go to the Costa Blanca news. More information can be found on their news website http://www.costablancanews.es/

Press Release from Ibiza

16th July 2002
PRESS RELEASE-PUBLICITY PLEASE.
As you can see by his website Jeffrey has now been missing for over one year. Although there have been many reported sightings, Jeffrey is still missing. We feel it would be of enormous benefit if the British National Press were willing to take up Jeffrey's story as, if Jeffrey is still alive and well, he could be anywhere on the Planet.
As long as Jeffrey was happy and being fed there is every reason to believe, due to his mental 'condition', that he himself would not know he is missing and would quite likely therefore not make any effort himself to attempt to ask for help or come home.
Jeffrey was one of those people that could get away with anything. He loves crowds, bright lights, music and is very sociable. Again, partly due to his mental condition, but also because of his loving and innocent nature, Jeffrey could get away with things that us ordinary people could not even contemplate! For instance, Jeffrey once managed to get to London by train from his home in Stockport whilst using a bus ticket destined for Manchester! His innocent nature often seems to give him a free ride through life. It has been a very strange case.
Jeffrey simply vanished from a resort in Ibiza on Sunday 8th July 2001. The police have found things difficult, the Authorities too. But in the last few weeks we have managed to uncover various clues as to hopefully starting to build a picture of what might have happened to Jeffrey.
Please can you help us publicise Jeffrey's 'true' story because we have a firm belief that Jeffrey 'could' well be still out there somewhere. Please send this website around the Globe. Please speak to Local, National and International press/media. Please look at contacts section of Jeffrey's website for relevant people to liaise with. From Derek, Beryl, Jeffrey's family and friends, a big thank you for your participation and help. As Beryl said in one of her recent press conferences, "We want lots of eyes looking for Jeffrey".

Radio 4 Broadcast questions why Jeffrey has not been found

13th July 2002
The BBC radio Four Programme "You and Yours" broadcast at Friday lunchtime yesterday features a short documentary of Jeffs family in Ibiza over the past few days.
Interviews with holidaymakers and local entertainers who are visiting Ibiza again this year showed that they were stunned that Jeffrey has not yet been found and that the family are making monthly visits to the island to follow up reports of sightings themselves.
However the foreign office have issued a statement that "everything possible is being done to find Jeffrey"
Meanwhile Derek & Beryl together with Jeffs sisters and Ibiza volunteer Simon Owens are continuing their efforts this week to focus more attention to Jeffrey`s plight and to follow up sightings.

Derek & Beryl with Simon Owens and Jeffs sisters & niece this week in Ibiza.

Anniversary Ibiza visit brings new results-cream camper van found as BBC Radio 4 Jets in

11th July 2002
The Family have met up with Simon Owens who has volunteered to help them with their investigations. Two recent 'possible' sightings were being followed up and at the same time more posters were being distributed.

Together with the Authorities we the cream Van and its owner have been located. (This van was spotted in Calla Llonga at the same time as Jeffrey's disappearance).

£10,000 CHAT Reward Poster Added

4th July 2002
Jeffs family are returning to Ibiza this weekend to mark the 12 month anniversary of his disappearance.
They are to be accompanied by a BBC Radio 4 team from the programme "you & yours" and will be taking with them copies of the CHAT magazine reward poster and a new action group poster to hand out to holidaymakers.
Details of the Chat poster can be found here. and the action group poster here with the Spanish version here. It must be remembered however that Jeffs clothing as described on the poster will probably have changed by now and that he will be heavily suntanned with longer hair (possibly) and a little lighter in weight.

Longest Day of Longest Year brings fresh hopes

21st June 2002
A flurry of Media activity in the past 2 weeks in the North West has once again raised the hopes of the action group.
It started 2 weeks ago after a vigilant Wigan couple (to whom we give our thanks) thought they had captured a video of Jeffrey along with 2 others begging for cash in the streets of Ibiza. BBC news Northwest ran the story & video and once again raised awareness regionally. Callers responded quickly with other possible sightings. Initial hopes were dashed however when people on the ground in Ibiza reported that the man spotted was probably a Belgian man who they had identified.
However good news was had when the Spanish Police reported DNA testing on corpses in their possession was complete and none were Jeffrey. A local Stockport woman then contacted the Group to report a sighting of a man she was sure was Jeffrey. The story was run in the Stockport Express and Manchester Evening News today. As a result a further search by the group will be undertaken soon-with contacts & police on the island acting already. Jeff is there-we know it. Please help us to find him. If you should see someone you think is Jeffrey please approach him & say-"Hello Jeffrey- how are you?" we are sure he will respond positively.

To Quote the Express "New hope in hunt for missing Jeffrey THE search to find missing Jeffrey Hodgson got two huge has gained a double boost - thanks to a holidaymaker's sighting and negative DNA test results on a dead body. Spanish police are due to widen their search for the 39-year-old mentally disabled man from Edgeley, after Stockport tourist Sue Caldicott reported she passed a man she thinks could be Jeffrey. Locals believe the smiling, dishevelled man she spotted walking on the road to Ibiza town in Figuerettes on June 6, is living in a series of nearby caves, which police have not searched before now. It was the second piece of good news during an emotional day for Jeffrey's parents Beryl and Derek Hodgson, who told of their relief after DNA tests confirmed a decomposing body found in Ibiza in April is not their son. The news was a welcome boost after hopes were dashed last week when it turned out a man captured on another tourist's video tape in Ibiza's hippy market was Belgian. Jeffrey, who has a mental age of an eight-year-old, disappeared from outside a hotel in Cala Llonga on the party island of Ibiza, almost a year ago, on July 8. Beryl said: "We are absolutely relieved about the DNA results, it has been a massive cloud hanging over us, and then we got the report about this new sighting, it's lifted us again. "The way things are we feel that if anything was wrong with Jeffrey then we would have found him. We are going to keep on searching." Holidaymaker Sue Caldicott, a librarian from Marple, reported seeing a man she thought looked similar to pictures on 'Where's Jeffrey' posters around Ibiza. This was after seeing footage of a hippy market where another tourist thought they had seen him, on BBC news. She said: "The man I saw was walking quickly down the road, waving his arms and seemed happy. "He turned and smiled at us and I noticed he had a tooth missing on the right side. "He was wearing a black t-shirt and black trousers, either jeans or track suit bottoms and his hair needed cutting as it was flopping into his eyes. "They seemed to be the same person, but I was scared of raising the family's hopes unnecessarily." Jeffrey's family will renew their own search in Ibiza on July 8, 2002, the anniversary of his disappearance."

No results from May Visit -but £10,000 reward offered

June 8th 2002
This week saw the return of Beryl & Derek from a 2 week visit to Ibiza where they were accompanied by CHAT magazine who are now covering the story and have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to Jeffs return.

The lead in May was followed up but further appearances of Jeff in ST Eulalia were not forthcoming.

Another lead from 2 English holidaymakers who thought they had spotted Jeff was followed up, but the person in question was not Jeffrey. However the widespread distribution of posters are having an effect around the island and holidaymakers coming forward with information is encouraging and we would ask anyone not to be afraid to report sightings to the authorities.

We are hoping that the large generous reward by CHAT magazine will further galvanise peoples attentions to the whereabouts of Jeffrey.

As the 12 month anniversary of his disappearance from Cala Llonga is soon to be with us in July further publicity around the island and extending onto the Spanish mainland is being planned.

All 32 Spanish churches on Ibiza should now be carrying posters of Jeffrey.
The DNA testing of corpses found earlier by Spanish authorities is now almost complete and it is certain that none of these are Jeffrey which leads to the question- he is out there somewhere-Where is he?

Ibiza season starts with lead

May 12th 2002
An English Vicar & his wife on a walking holiday in Ibiza last week noticed an English man on Tuesday 7th April with an unusual gait shaking hands and talking to holidaymakers in St. Eulalia.
It was only a little later when they came across one of the many posters of Jeffrey that they recognised him as the man they saw earlier and reported the sighting to the police & British Consulate.
The family have since been in direct contact with them at their hotel in Ibiza and have been rallied by this latest sighting. They are travelling out there again as soon as possible.
Meanwhile there has been no further news regarding DNA testing by the Spanish of an unidentified body of a man they have had for some time.

Charity Football Match Rallies Support

May 2nd 2002
A charity football match took place for Jeffrey on Sunday 28th April at the Stockport County Ground, Edgeley Park between a County Ex-players 11 and the Century Radio "Fighting Foxes". The Foxes didn`t fight quite as hard as they could & lost 12-1 in front of a crowd of 700 but it was all good fun. The programme was heavily sponsored by local companies and over £2000 was raised to help continue the search for Jeffrey.
The Family & Friends would like to thank all those who attended, took part in & sponsored the event and we are all hoping that everyone`s efforts will be rewarded by Jeff`s discovery soon.
Thank you all once again.

News from April

April 30th 2002
Derek & Beryl returned to Ibiza for a further stay on Tuesday 9th accompanied by Salvador, a Spanish speaking friend to help with communications with the authorities.
A very positive meeting was held there with the Spanish Police who reassured them that they were still hopeful of finding Jeffrey. His disappearance they thought was very strange and is just not in keeping with previous missing persons cases. They are almost positive now that he is being looked after in one of the remoter parts of the island by locals who have little or no contact with the mainstream activities on the island.
The new leaflets of Jeffrey were again posted in important locations on the island and further interviews with local radio & media were conducted.
The police also reported that they had 2 unidentified persons in their mortuary-one of which is certainly not Jeffrey. DNA samples & dental records were passed to police to rule out this possibility, but it is thought that the remaining unidentified person is not Jeffrey.
Meanwhile our thanks go to John & Carole from Liverpool who have sent some pictures of Jeffrey from 2 years ago in Costa Blanca. You can see the best of these by clicking here

News from March Ibiza Trip

March 14th 2002
No success was to be had in finding Jeff in this latest trip, however many positive aspects emerged making the journey worthwhile. Several thousand of the new leaflets were distributed. The group met with local Spanish & British ex-pat media. Some very good contacts were made and Britons living in Ibiza have volunteered to continue the search for Jeffrey whilst the group is back in the UK and will also ensure leaflets are posted in places around the island.
1. A girl working in Ibiza coach station claims that her boyfriend saw Jeffrey a couple of times about a month ago in San Antonio. Although some time was spent Jeff was not seen-but hope remains for the future.
2. Some locals think that Jeffrey may be on a smaller Island nearby (a short ferry trip), where there is a "new age traveller" style commune.
Plans are now being drawn up for a further April visit as the holiday season starts to get underway.

New Search Begins in Ibiza

March 11th 2002
Jeffrey`s parents Derek & Beryl together with local Stockport businessman John Fitzpatrick and another member of the action group left the UK today bound for Ibiza. Derek, expecting to go into hospital directly on his return is presently in severe discomfort but refused to be left out of this latest trip.
With no direct flights to the island at present the party have travelled via Barcelona.
The group, armed with a new batch of several thousand leaflets will spend a week on the island raising publicity locally as the Ibiza season is preparing to get itself underway.
Probably the last chance the Group will get before the population of the island starts to increase once more, it is hoped to raise Jeff`s profile once again with residents & locals & to check out recent leads sent to the website.
To download your copy of the coloured leaflet in English & Spanish click here. It is a large file to enable those larger sized posters to be made!
If you are travelling to Ibiza please help us by taking a copy with you & keep a lookout for Jeff- you never know the reward money might just pay for your holiday!

Stockport Times Article signals start of new hunt

Feb29th 2002
Fresh coverage of the story in the Stockport Times this week signalled the start of a fresh hunt in Ibiza for Jeffrey with a new poster campaign.
Members of the group are planning to return to the island shortly to continue the search.
For details of the article click here.

Nightclub Sighting Raises fresh hopes

Feb17th 2002
A holiday maker from Ireland has contacted the website this week to say that he was 100% certain of a sighting of Jeffrey in Playa den Bossa in August.

"The date was Monday 27th august, I first saw Jeffrey at around 12.30pm(just after midday)then again as we were leaving the area at 2.30pm he was walking along the roadside towards the roundabout at Playa D,en Bossa. It was his gait that made him stand out so much. I also spoke at the time to the British Vice-Consul "
"Whilst on holiday in Ibiza last year I encountered Jeffrey in a nightclub in Playa D,en Bossa. This is a definite sighting. The Nightclub was called D.C.10. (as in the aeroplane). It is located on the Carretera las Salinas.It is a very small club almost at the end of the runway. Again I repeat that it was definitely Jeffrey that I saw. I should add that he seemed to be in excellent health at that time and did not even appear to have been burnt in the sun, which would indicate to me that he was being cared for. "

The holidaymaker reported this to both the Spanish Police in Santa Eulalia and the office of the British Vice Consul. He was surprised to see on the website that Jeffrey was still missing after providing the authorities with the information.

Although this raises fresh hopes for the continuation of the search questions are being asked of the authorities as to why the family were not informed so that the venue and area could be checked during the frequent visits of the search team to Ibiza at that time and why the authorities themselves did not successfully follow up this vital lead.

New Year Drive in Search starts with Photofit

RESCARE have now printed over 11,000 leaflets and provided funding for the family to return to Ibiza to continue their search. New leaflets are now being produced with one of the pictures on the leaflet having an image of Jeffrey with a bearded image which is how he could possibly look. Click description.htm to view this image.
It is possible that Jeffrey may not necessarily be in Ibiza as he could have been assisted or even taken against his will to anywhere in Europe, therefore the leaflets will now be distributed to other parts of Europe including France, Germany, Portugal, Majorca, Minorca, Mainland Spain and Holland as well as Ibiza.
Many thanks to Richard Jackson at RESCARE for his continued support.
Another fund-raising event, organised by Pat Hodgson was held on 2 February at the Railway Club in Cheadle Heath. The event was a huge success with over £1200 being raised. Thank you to everyone that helped made this a success.
Thanks also to John Fitzpatrick, who is continuing to support the family in every way and will be arranging for a group of volunteers to travel to Europe to help the family with the distribution of the new leaflets.

Fresh Appeal for leads on Cream Camper van

As we get into the new year the group needs to focus its attention on any leads or sightings still not discounted or checked out.

A crucial factor is recounting the events of the day Jeff went missing on the 8th July. There were sightings of Jeffrey up till midnight in the beach area of Cala Llonga on that day. Tourists also remembered seeing a cream/white American style camper van in the vicinity with a British "C" registration plate.

The possibility of the owners of this van having some positive information as to Jeffs whereabouts at that time has still not been discounted.

If you were in the area at that time or have any information as to the owners or whereabouts of this vehicle now please contact us.

Reward Offered

A reward of £1000 has been offered for information leading to Jeffrey`s safe recovery.
The reward-offered by Jeffrey`s Aunt will take the form of a single sum which shall be split in the event of more than one party contributing to the information which leads directly to Jeff`s safe recovery.

Successful Fund Raising Evening

The fund-raising event at the Britannia on 18th December 2001 was a huge success. Thank you to all who helped to organise it and for the generous hospitality of the Britannia Hotel. Guest appearances from Andy Thorpe and Paul Jones from Stockport County Football team helped to raise more money for the fund by donating a signed football and signed shirts for the raffle. Other prizes including a signed Manchester City football were also included in the raffle. Around 200 people attended and contributed donations on the night. The successful bidder for the signed football gave the football to Jeffreys parents asking for them to leave it on his bed for when he returns home. Over £2600 has been donated so far as a result of the night. Jeffreys family would like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone that has supported them.

Focus Group`s Plans

Various groups associated with supporting Stockport County are collaborating to help raise funds to continue the search for Jeffrey an avid Stockport County fan who disappeared whilst on holiday with his family in Ibiza. The following groups, gathering loosely under the banner "Family and Friends of Jeffrey", are now actively pooling their resources in order to ensure that the search for Jeffrey continues; Stockport County Ex-Players Association (SCEPA) Stockport County in the Community The Official Stockport County Supporters Club Hatters Independent Supporters Club (HISC).
Jeffrey has a mental age of 8 and suffers from various medical conditions that leave him ill-equipped to look after himself. As you can imagine, his family are very worried about Jeffrey's well being. Jeffrey's family have now returned to Ibiza searching for Jeffrey on SEVEN separate occasions, and still had no luck in tracing him. However, there have been several positive sightings and a web site (www.wheresjeffrey.org) has been set up to keep those interested updated.
We have some great ideas on how to continue the search through the winter, and there is no shortage of enthusiasm and belief that we can get the job done, i.e. FIND JEFFREY.
Our main goal in the short term is to raise sufficient funds to put all of our ideas into action.
Do you know anyone with experience of tracing missing persons who could help us? Please, call John on 0161 430 8806 to give information, make donations, or fax us on 0161 406 8049 with any offers of help. Alternatively, e-mail graham@privettbush.freeserve.co.uk as well the website address This is Jeffrey's hour of need. He is vulnerable. Together, we can get this sorted!

Local Detective Agency volunteer their services as Fund raising Continues

The Majorca based private investigation agency Jose Mabeca have volunteered to help in the coming weeks in the search for Jeff.

This is good news for the family at the start of December.

Throughout October & November 2001 fund raising events culminating in a sponsored walk around Hollywood Park in a torrential downpour have demonstrated the local feeling & concern in the Stockport community for Jeffreys safe return.

Local pubs and clubs have all contributed as well as generous donations from individuals and the Family and friends would like to thank all of you most sincerely for your help.

Group needs leads on Cream Camper van

The day Jeff went missing back in July a cream American style camper van was seen in the vicinity with a British "G" registration plate.

The possibility of the owners of this van having some positive information as to Jeffs whereabouts at that time has still not been discounted.

If you have any information as to the owners or whereabouts of this vehicle please contact us.

BBC Crimewatch Daily Report
results in E-mail lead

Derek & Beryl appeared on the BBC`s Crimewatch Daily programme on the morning of Monday 5th November 2001.
Broadcast from London the programme outlined Jeffrey`s disappearance nationwide.
As a result E-mails were sent to this website one of which offered details of another sighting in San Antonio on Ibiza and another from a lady in Wales who says a man fitting Jeffrey`s description was seen clearing tables in the Windmill bar in the Cala Llonga area in September.

If you were at this bar- or you know the owner please get in touch

Family to returned to Ibiza
in November

Jeff`s parents returned again to Ibiza on 10th November 2001. Much of the islands facilities were closed and flights and accommodation were difficult to find at this time of year but it is possible that if Jeffrey is still on the island he will stand out as it is much less densely populated at present. However yet again this search resulted in no success, although Jeffs profile is still being kept up in the local media which is crucial in the search.

Stockport search team return to Ibiza and the mainland again as more sightings were reported

Jeffrey`s parents returned to Ibiza on Monday 10th October 2001 for a further 2 weeks to follow up the latest batch of reported sightings and to distribute further leaflets & posters. They were joined by 4 further family members on 17th October 2001.
As part of a second search front a further team of 5 volunteers led by Stockport Businessman John Fitzpatrick departed for Spain on 17th October to checkout the possible Costa Blanca sighting.
Jeffrey however has still not been found despite the efforts.

The group received donated flights from AIR 2000 and the promise of free car hire from HERTZ.
The extensive poster campaign already in parts of the island is producing sighting information and we are grateful to holidaymakers and locals for any information received.
A further possible sighting was reported on the Spanish Mainland resort of Costa Blanca.
RESCARE (The national society for mentally handicapped people in residential care), continue to offer their support. They produced around two thousand missing leaflets for the family to take with them when they return to Ibiza. The leaflets also provide a useful contact of a Costa Blanca Newspaper for the public to alert the paper of any possible sightings. RESCARE have put the family in touch with the Costa Blanca News, who are eager to help and have run a front page cover story of Jeffrey. The family have a close friend living in Denia (Costa Blanca) who will be the contact point for the newspaper. Thank you to RESCARE for their suggestion of the newspaper and for their uplifting support.

Local Football Teams in Campaign Support

Appeals were broadcast before and during the half-time interval at the Manchester City-Stockport County match on Saturday 13th August 2001.
Leaflets were also distributed amongst the fans in the hope that people about to travel to Spain can keep a lookout for Jeffrey.

Possible Majorca sighting

An E-mail was sent to the website on Sunday 16th September 2001 from persons resident in Majorca confirming a possible sighting in ES Capdella-a small village in Majorca (Mallorca) to the west of Palma on Friday at 9.15am. A local family taking their children to school, having seen posters of Jeffrey at the Williams Circus saw a man answering Jeffreys description and dressed in cream coloured clothes, carrying papers and walking with Jeffs lop-sided gait. After conferring with a neighbour, who also confirmed seeing this new face in the area they contacted the website. Local Police have been informed.

If you have been to Majorca as well as Ibiza in recent weeks please try to remember possible sightings of Jeffrey.

Sightings in neighbouring resorts during August, September & October

More possible sightings of Jeffrey have been reported in the last few weeks.

The first by a Stockport man returning from Ibiza on 24th August 2001 who reported to Stockport Police he was certain of a sighting of Jeffrey in the neighbouring Santa Eulalia resort during his stay there.

Another sighting was reported by E-mail to this website by a holidaymaker who on the 19th August saw a man in Playa Den Bossa at the poolside of their apartment complex. Apparently this man, answering Jeffs description, had an unusual walk and was trying to shake hands with holidaymakers and "grinning all the time". This seems to fit Jeffs description completely.

Further sightings in Playa den Bossa, San Antonio and Escana have been reported as recently as last week.

BBC TV programme broadcast

Beryl and Derek retuned to Ibiza on 19th August 2001, accompanied by a BBC team who filmed a documentary for "Close up North".

The programme was broadcast on BBC2 on 4th October.

Following the programme further responses and offers of support was made by the public.

Another appeal was also made by Beryl & Derek on Spanish TV.

Police still hopeful

Although the large scale search of the immediate resort has now finished and there are no plans to widen the official search, police have said that officers undergoing their normal daily patrolling duties will continue to watch out for him.

The Police have stated that Jeffrey may be living with Spanish people in a remote part of the island and that over the winter months the island will be less populated thus making it easier to identify Jeffrey.

Family distribute posters in Ibiza and more sightings reported

Jeffrey`s brother & sister-in-law accompanied by a local Stockport man who knows Jeffrey well returned to the island on 13th September 2001 to continue the search. They were joined by Jeffrey`s parents Beryl & Derek on Saturday 15th September and the search was featured on the TV programme Holiday Airline as they were accompanied by the camera crew. Flysheets and T-shirts featuring Jeffrey were distributed further around Ibiza throughout the week.

In Playa Den Bossa a worker from Maggies Bar along the beach confirmed a sighting of Jeffrey on Monday 10th September-he was walking up & down just outside the bar as if he wanted to go in -but did not. He was dressed in shorts & a cap. This sighting has been reported to police in San Antonio.
A further sighting was had by a young local boy who saw the posters.
The boy lives rough in the Santa Eulalia area and spends most of his time by the beach. He was adamant that he saw Jeff three weeks earlier in the resort. He also accompanied the family to the hippy colony & a gypsy camp where he acted as translator. The boy wanted nothing but to help. He also has reported his sighting to the police.

If all of these sightings are actually of Jeffrey, then it would appear that he is alive & well-and due to changes of clothing & clean appearance that someone is looking after him.
We hope that he is found soon.

Last updated 17th January 2003

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