The sister of John Joyce, who went missing this year on Friday 14 July in Fátima, told The Portugal News: “We are relying on people in Portugal to help us find John.
“John has Asperger’s Syndrome, so he is more vulnerable than his appearance suggests”, she explained.
Mr. Joyce went missing three months ago while on a six-day group pilgrimage to the Catholic site in central Portugal. The small group had arrived in Fátima on Monday 11 July after flying to Lisbon from Gatwick.
In a fresh plea for help, the family has this week released new posters and urges anyone who sees “someone who looks like John, and looks drunk or ill or being hustled or dragged into a building or car” to contact the police immediately.
“If he has lost his memory he may be living on the streets; try talking to him, his English accent should be obvious.
“We ask ramblers and dog walkers around Fátima and beyond to be observant”, his sister Cathie Joyce said, stressing he may now have a beard, be wearing different clothes, or look dishevelled.
The family is frantically worried about their lost relative, and anxious he may be injured or even being held against his will.
Ms. Joyce added: “We, his family, are very grateful to the Fátima GNR, the hotel and the local people of Fátima for all the searching they have done so far. But we are now desperate. John is in Portugal somewhere. Please help us find him.”
Anyone with information about John Joyce should contact the Fátima GNR (+351 249 530 580), or Hotel Essence Inn Marianos (+351 249 531 572).