FOLLOWING a ‘nightmare’ year, a woman who hasn’t seen her father for 13 months desperately continues to appeal for information on his whereabouts.
Richard Dyson, from Hoyland, was last seen by daughter Bethany Dainty on Friday November 15, 2019 when he dropped her off in Aston, Rotherham.
Last Thursday, Christmas Eve, was Richard’s 58th birthday - and precedes the second Christmas his daughter hasn’t been able to spend with him.
Bethany, 20, said: “I know that this year has been tough for everyone - but my struggle has been different to most people.
“Every morning I wake up and wonder where my dad is. It’s like a weight on my chest all the time.”
Police confirmed Richard was last seen on November 17 walking on the A6135 Sheffield Road in Hoyland, near to Parkside Farm, and is also known to frequent Elsecar.
He was believed to be wearing a navy Kappa jacket with white stitching.
Bethany added: “I saw my dad every single week without fail until that day in November last year when he didn’t come.
“I knew something was wrong but hoped desperately that he’d get in touch and let me know that there was a straightforward reason why he didn’t meet me.
“Since then, everything has felt like a nightmare.
“I miss him so much, he’s a great dad and we have so many lovely memories together.
“The hardest thing is not knowing. I just need answers. I know many people this Christmas won’t be with their loved ones as they’d like to be, but you know for sure that one day you’ll see each other again. I’m stuck in this horrible situation of not knowing.
“Someone must know what has happened to my dad.
“Please, please come forward and tell someone what you know.
“It doesn’t have to be directly to the police, there are other ways to make sure they get your information without you having to give them your details.
“As you start your Christmas celebrations, please think about me and my dad, and the difference you could make to my life by coming forward with what you know.
“Dad, if you see this, please just let me know that you’re OK, that’s all I need this Christmas.”
Detective Inspector Neil Coop, leading the investigation, said: “We know that Richard spent much of his time in the Elsecar and Hoyland areas of Barnsley. Did you know him?
“Have you heard information locally that could help my team bring Bethany the answers she so desperately needs?
“Richard is about 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, of a slim build and with short, grey hair.
“If you know where he is or have any information, you can call us on 101 quoting incident number 459 of November 25, 2019.
“Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”
