The mother of missing Holywood man Martin Kelly yesterday embarked on a emotional journey to continue the hunt for her son across the UK.
For the next month, Karen Kelly will travel the length and breadth of the mainland in the hope of finding 22-year-old Martin.
The plumber and part-time barman was last seen on New Year's day this year leaving a bar in the Claredon docks area of Be
lfast.
At the time, it was widely feared he had fallen into the water and drowned, but Karen has steadfastly refused to give up hope that her son is still alive.
The Kelly family believe Martin may have suffered a brain injury and could now be in the UK with no memory of who he is.
Karen, along with her partner Drew, are travelling and living in a campervan, which they have christened the "Marty Mobile".
Beginning in Scotland, the couple will drive through England, over to Wales, before getting the ferry back to Dublin and driving up through the Republic.
"It's going to be an emotional roller-coaster but it's something I feel I have to do," said Karen, before boarding the ferry yesterday evening.
"I've tried everything to find him and this is probably the last stone that hasn't been turned over. Our aim is to raise as much awareness about Martin's case as possible.
"I'll be appearing on local TV and radio along the way and we've also been in touch with The Richard and Judy show and This Morning and they are both interested in covering the trip.
"I think this is the first time something like this has been done. We feel Martin could have suffered amnesia or a brain injury and has ended up somewhere not knowing who he is or where he is."
