Cheshire Search and Rescue volunteers are entering their final day in the hunt for missing marathon runner John Lawton.
Fifteen members of the Cheshire SAR team have been out in Greece for five days to boost the search for the 62-year-old from Alsager.
John’s wife Lynda, son Steve and daughter Sara returned to the UK yesterday – five weeks since John went missing while competing in the Taygetos Challenge 2012 near Kalamata.
The team has this week searched the base of the Vyros Valley which is a dried up river bed, encountering rockfalls and locating items like energy gels which runners carry and also foil blankets within dense vegetation.
They have also identified areas not yet searched and are concentrating on a zig-zagged path from the village which was part of the route John would have taken.
Members have trawled over maps and paperwork to re-evaluate the search. They hope to fly another team out if more funds are available.
Team Leader Jo McClure said: “I’ve been sat on pins waiting for some news and just to know if everyone is safe. I’ve been in touch with the family who described the team as ‘awesome’.
“Of course it would be fantastic to find John today, but I’m just so happy the team has been able to assist the Lawton family. It’s been an honour and a privilege we could assist them in their time of need.
“The Lawton family are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and they are aware that we are only a call away.”
The group and family have launched a £1 appeal to help support the cost of flying the team to Greece and support the search efforts.
Simply txt CSAR01 £1 to 70070 or visit www.cheshire-sarteam.org to donate via credit/debit card.
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