'I miss him so much’: Missing man’s daughter marks his birthday and second Christmas without him

This is the message from the daughter of a missing Barnsley man is marking her dad’s birthday today- more than a year since she last saw him.

Bethany Dainty says the last year has been ‘unimaginably difficult’ following the disappearance of her father, Richard Dyson, who is 58 today.

Bethany, 20, last saw her dad on Friday, November 15 last year, when he dropped her off in Aston, Rotherham.

When he missed their next arranged meeting, she reported him missing on Monday, November 25.

Bethany said: “I know that this year has been tough for everyone – but my struggle has been different to most people.

"Every morning I wake up and wonder where my dad is. It’s like a weight on my chest all the time.

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“Today is my dad’s birthday. This should be a day of celebration, with Christmas to look forward to tomorrow as well, but it isn’t.

“I saw my dad every single week without fail until that day in November last year when he didn’t come.

"I knew something was wrong but hoped desperately that he’d get in touch and let me know that there was a straightforward reason why he didn’t meet me.

“Since then, everything has felt like a nightmare. I miss him so much, he’s a great dad and we have so many lovely memories together.

“The hardest thing is not knowing. I just need answers. I know many people this Christmas won’t be with their loved ones as they’d like to be, but you know for sure that one day you’ll see each other again. I’m stuck in this horrible situation of not knowing.

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“Today I’m appealing to you, the community of South Yorkshire, to help me. Someone must know what has happened to my dad. Please, please come forward and tell someone what you know. It doesn’t have to be directly to the police, there are other ways to make sure they get your information without you having to give them your details.

“As you start your Christmas celebrations, please think about me and my dad, and the difference you could make to my life by coming forward with what you know.

“Dad, if you see this, please just let me know that you’re OK, that’s all I need this Christmas.”

Detective Inspector Neil Coop, in charge of the investigation said: “We know that Richard spent much of his time in the Elsecar and Hoyland areas of Barnsley. Did you know him? Have you heard information locally that could help my team bring Bethany the answers she so desperately needs?

“Richard is about 5ft 10ins – 6ft tall, of a slim build and with short, grey hair. If you know where he is or have any information, you can call us on 101 quoting incident number 459 of 25 November 2019.

“Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.