Chef found safe after big search operation

Jul 19 2007 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

Chef found safe after big search operation

A CHEF who sparked a massive search operation after being reported missing will be asked to organise a charity fundraiser to replenish the coffers of the rescue services.

Global Rescue Services, Ogwen Mountain Rescue, British International Search and Rescue Dogs (BIRD), Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA), an RAF Sea King Helicopter and 80 volunteers spent most of last weekend looking for 24-year-old Paul Belcher.

The Dwygyfylchi man was reported missing by his mother Ruth last Thursday when he failed to turn up for work at the Fairy Glen pub in Penmaenmawr.

Paul, who is a keen walker, was thought to have gone for a walk in the mountains above his village.

But despite a painstaking search there was no sign of him, although there had been a few alleged sightings of him in the area.

Much to the relief of his friends and families, on Monday Paul phoned a friend saying he was in Germany on the way to see a friend.

His mother’s partner Merfyn Jones said: “We’re so relieved to hear Paul is safe and well, it has been an agonising time. I’d like to thank all the rescue services and volunteers who spent hours looking for him.”

There were rumours circulating around Penmaenmawr that Paul had stolen money from the till at the Fairy Glen and that was why he’d left the country.

However, Graham Roberts, owner of the Fairy Glen, said there wasn’t any truth to the story.

“There are all sorts of rumours going around at the moment which are annoying me,” he said.

“I can categorically say Paul hasn’t taken a penny from the till or stolen any money from me. I’ve been worried sick for the last five days and all I can say is I’m delighted Paul is safe and well.”

Dave Jones of Global Rescue Services admitted the rescue had cost thousands of pounds, but said he had to look on the bright side.

“All I can say is that it has been an excellent training weekend. It also showed what a great village spirit Penmaenmawr has with all the volunteers turning up on Sunday to look for Paul.

“It shows how many people care for him around here. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who turned out to help on behalf of the rescue services.

“However, I wouldn’t like this sort of thing to happen too often as we do have other jobs to attend to. I think since Paul is a chef we are going to get him to organise a charity barbecue to replenish our coffers.”

mari.jones