Mum of soldier whose body was found two years after he went missing in Alps sets out on challenge
The mother of a soldier whose remains were found more than two years after he went missing on an expedition has set out on her own personal challenge.
Blake Hartley disappeared nearly 19 years ago, the day after his 25th birthday in Chamonix in the French Alps.
Sally Perrin, from Shrewsbury, who never gave up searching for her son until his remains were discovered in a river, is raising money for the charity, Missing People, by walking the south route of The Shropshire Way.
Mrs Perrin said that it was the disappearance of Nicola Bulley in Lancashire earlier this year that made her want to do something to help the missing persons charity.
"In recent news we have all been witness to how devastating it is having a loved one go missing," she said.
"To not know what has happened is overwhelming and unbearable. All sorts of scenarios go through your mind without conclusion. So to have a resolution, however heartbreaking it is, in my opinion, better than never finding out.
"Even though my conclusion was tragic it was better than the alternative. For some people though they never have an answer."
The charity says that 170,000 people are reported missing every year.
"When Blake disappeared Missing People helped me and I would like to help them. So at the grand age of 68 and despite having had Covid very badly indeed in 2020, I have embarked on walking the south route of The Shropshire Way, approximately 125 miles."
She is walking the route in sections, when the weather permits and has already covered almost 70 miles.
On Sunday she walked the 10 miles from Hopesay to Stokesay and beyond.
"I have Ludlow in my sights now," she said.
"I still struggle with my breathing after Covid but I am taking my time."
Anyone who wants to support Mrs Perrin can do so online at justgiving.com.
