UPDATE: John Whaite’s sister Victoria Cunningham found alive but “very, very distressed” in Portugal
Former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite has issued a desperate plea to help find his sister, who has gone missing in Portugal.
Victoria Cunningham was last seen at Faro Airport in the Algarve on Monday evening.
Posting on Twitter, John claimed Victoria had originally been due fly out of the airport on Saturday at 11am with her boyfriend, but was unable to board as she had been drinking.
After her boyfriend left her at the airport, she is said to have returned on Monday, but later absconded, and is now thought to be without her passport or any money.
Posting several pictures of Victoria on Twitter, John wrote: “Please retweet. My sister has gone missing from Faro Airport. We are all worried for her welfare...
“Her name is Victoria Cunningham. She has no passport with her. If you see her please tell her that her family just want her home safe and sound.”
John claimed his sister had previously been diagnosed with depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and worried family and friends have flown out to the Algarve to search for her.
The baker – who rose to fame as the winner of the Great British Bake Off in 2012 – added that the British Consulate and police are now “putting pressure on Portuguese police to search” for Victoria.
“We’re so grateful for your help. I just pray we can get her home safe,” he added.
Useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.