We are delighted to recognise the Founders of the charity Missing People (then called National Missing Persons Helpline), sisters Mary Asprey OBE and Janet Newman OBE.

Mary and Janet started the charity in response to the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh from Fulham in 1986. From a bedroom at the sisters' home in London they launched a free helpline for families, and those with information about the whereabouts of vulnerable missing people.. Mary, Janet and a team of dedicated volunteers were overwhelmed at the volume of people making contact.

In April 1993, having re-mortgaged their houses to do so, Mary and Janet registered National Missing Persons Helpline as a charity. This success was cemented with a visit from Diana, Princess of Wales.

Since then Mary and Janet have both been honoured with OBEs as well as accolades including: 'UK Women of Europe Award'; European Women of Achievement Humanitarianism Award and The Rotary Foundation's prestigious Paul Harris Fellowships.

In 2004 Mary and Janet stepped down from their roles at Missing People. Since then they have launched the Missing Foundation to help link specialised organisations dealing with missing people around the world. 

Related links:

www.missingfoundation.org
www.suzylamplugh.org   
www.bigissue.com