We’re living a nightmare’: Belfast family pleads for answers as search for missing father-of-two in Spain continues

John, also known as John George, was last in contact with his family on December 14. He had been visiting friends in Alicante and was believed to be travelling to Benidorm to meet others around the time he vanished.

Scheduled to fly home on December 18, he never boarded his flight, leaving his loved ones increasingly concerned.

The PSNI has confirmed a missing person’s report has been filed, stating, “Enquiries are ongoing in conjunction with our international policing partners.”

Family’s Heartbreaking Plea

For John’s family, Christmas has been marked by fear and heartbreak. His sister, Courtney George, said the situation is entirely out of character for John, who is a devoted father to his two children.

“John would never go more than two days without contacting me,” Courtney said, describing the growing despair as they await any update.

The family has been vocal on social media, highlighting the toll the disappearance has taken, especially on John’s children. In a Christmas Eve post, they wrote:

“Whilst you wrap presents, we are organising search parties. Whilst your children wait for Santa, John’s sons are waiting for news of their daddy.

“Every moment is frozen in anxiety, waiting for anything that could bring him home. Please, we need this nightmare to end.”

Father Joins Search in Spain

John’s father, Billy Hardy, has traveled to Spain to assist in the search for his son, appealing for local help in Alicante and surrounding areas.

In a video recorded on Christmas Day, Billy described the overwhelming challenge of finding John without more information. “This is a needle in a haystack,” he said. “We need locals to help us. I just want my son home. Please, somebody tell us where he is.”

The family has shared identifying details to aid the search, including John’s tattoos, which feature a half-sleeve on his right arm and a panther on his torso.

Community Rallies Support

The Hardy family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel and search expenses. As of Christmas Day, over £13,000 of the £16,000 target had been raised, demonstrating the community’s support during this difficult time.

Courtney expressed her gratitude for the generosity of those who have contributed but emphasized that the family’s focus remains on finding John. “There will be no Christmas for us,” she said. “All we want is to bring him home to his children.”

A Call for Help

The family is urging anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small the detail might seem. They also ask the public to share John’s photo and story as widely as possible, in the hope of reaching someone who may have seen him.

“Please keep sharing his face and name,” Courtney pleaded. “For his children, for us—we need answers, and we need him home.”

Authorities in Spain and Northern Ireland continue to investigate John’s disappearance, but for his family, the clock is ticking as they hold onto hope that he will be found safe.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI or local Spanish authorities. The GoFundMe page for the Hardy family remains active for those wishing to support their efforts.

As they continue their search, John’s family remains united in their determination to bring him back to Belfast, where his children and loved ones are anxiously awaiting his return.