A website (www.findjohnbainbridge .com) has been set up to harness information and endeavours to find Mr. Bainbridge, who suffers from Alzheimer’s.
He went missing in the early hours of Friday 26 January, 2018, after climbing out of a window of his home. Neighbours last saw him around 5.30am near the Ourique restaurant on the EN124 not far from his home.
So far the search for Mr. Bainbridge has involved the GNR, family and friends, support from the British Consulate, and many volunteers who have helped scour the vicinity of where he was last sighted.
David Thomas, founder of association Safe Communities Portugal, which has been among those driving the hunt for the British ex-pat, said “one issue that has struck me is the spirit of public mindedness by those who have come forward to help find John. This has ranged from the use of drones, dog searches, social media/web assistance as well as walking groups and individuals all of whom have given up their time to help and support the family in some way.”
He explained the GNR have deployed many resources into the search with reinforcements from other areas, the dog unit as well as the specialist GIPS search and rescue unit.
Mr. Bainbridge is described as 6-foot tall (1.83m), “very slim” (63kg), with grey hair, and, according to his wife Anita is “almost certain” to be feeling very lost and disoriented.
At the time he went missing, he was wearing a black pullover with a shirt underneath, blue jeans and black trainers with white flecks. He left home without a phone or identification.
Anyone with information should immediately contact the Silves GNR (282 440 290), the International emergency number (112), or go to the nearest GNR police station.