Family's thanks for campaigners who helped with Shane Carter search (From St Helens Star)

Family's thanks for campaigners who helped with Shane Carter search

9:27am Wednesday 18th July 2012 in News By Stephen Mather, Senior reporter

THE sister of a young man, who had been missing for more than a week, has spoken of his family’s relief after he was found safe and well.

Shane Carter, from Ellison Drive, Eccleston, disappeared in Manchester on Thursday, July 5, with a mobile phone signal in the Piccadilly area the only clue as to his whereabouts.

Family and friends launched a widespread campaign, via the media and social network sites Facebook and Twitter.

The Facebook page Find Shane Carter, which has since been taken down, generated thousands of followers and possible sightings of the 19-year-old.

Shane’s sister Donner Hegarty was keen to thank all those who played their part in the search: “Of course we want to thank everyone who helped with the search. Without them we would never have found him.

“Words cannot describe our gratitude. We have been overwhelmed with everyone’s support and kind words, but now we just want to deal with this as a family and feel the reasons why he left are private and personal and we just want time out as a family to go on from here.

“The main thing is that we know he is well and safe and that is the most important thing to let everyone know.

“If this campaign has proved anything it is that there are a lot of genuine, caring people in the world and we were lucky to have them on our side. We are forever grateful.

“Sometimes we do get happy endings.”

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police added: "We would like to thank the media and members of the public for their interest and assistance in publicising this missing person appeal."