Over three decades have passed since Kerry Needham last saw her son, Ben Needham, who disappeared as a young child on the beautiful Greek island of Kos. Kerry, now 51, recently spoke to the Mirror about her ongoing quest to locate Ben, who went missing on July 24, 1991. Suspecting that Ben may have been taken for adoption in New York, Kerry remains steadfast in her search, appealing to anyone with information and sharing an age-progressed image of what Ben might look like now in his 30s.

Reflecting on the challenges she has faced since Ben’s disappearance, Kerry has experienced significant emotional turmoil, from distressing ransom demands to the heartbreaking choice of parting with her own daughter. Despite enduring immense suffering, she continues to hold onto hope that one day she will be reunited with her son.

Ben, who would have celebrated his 36th birthday last October, was last seen playing near a farmhouse his grandparents were renovating on the day he vanished. Despite extensive searches on the island, no trace of Ben has ever been discovered.

In the initial months following Ben’s disappearance, Kerry struggled profoundly, experiencing hallucinations and mental health challenges. She candidly shared about these struggles, recounting how she would imagine Ben’s presence at night, leading to significant emotional distress.

Throughout the years, Kerry has faced various obstacles in her efforts to find Ben. In 2012, she encountered a situation where an individual demanded a substantial sum of money in exchange for information about Ben’s whereabouts. Despite offering a reward for information, the demands made it difficult for Kerry to progress in her search.

Despite the setbacks and challenges, Kerry remains resolute in her pursuit of finding Ben. She has encountered numerous theories and obstacles, including disputes over the circumstances of Ben’s disappearance. Kerry has consistently maintained her belief in the abduction theory and has expressed skepticism towards alternative explanations.

As she navigates the complexities of her journey to find Ben, Kerry’s resilience and determination are evident. She has faced unimaginable hardships but continues to persevere in the hope of one day reuniting with her son.

If you require support or wish to share your story, you can reach out to the Samaritans helpline at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.