THE sister of Manic Street Preachers performer, Richey Edwards, has planted a ‘Memory Tree’ dedicated to all missing loved ones.

On Saturday November 9, Rachel Elias, whose brother Mr Edwards went missing in 1995, joined other families of missing people, to plant a tree in their memory. The initiative is by the charity Missing People, which was made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery who funded the project.

Ms Elias said: “It’s great to be amongst friends at events like these, speaking to people who can associate with what we’ve all gone through.

“Hopefully the planting of the memory tree will be a place where people can come for years, to remember their missing loved ones and remind themselves that they are not alone in their search.”

The tree planting took place on Palewell Common in Richmond-up-Thames, where the charity’s headquarters are and was attended by volunteer family representatives from across the UK.

The day coincided with the charity releasing new figures about the impact of their work in Wales. Last year, the charity was able to reconnect 52 people in Wales and received more than 3,167 Wales contacts to its 24/7 Helpline.

Jo Youle, chief executive for the charity Missing People, said: “Every 5 minutes another parent will face the pain of their child going missing. Our vital work in Wales to find missing loved ones is only made possible thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. We could not have been a lifeline this year without you.”

You can help support this charity by texting HOPE to 70707 and give £3 to Missing People.