Family's grief for missing Cardiff mum Lorraine Ridout

Family's grief for missing Cardiff mum Lorraine Ridout

A decade has passed since Lorraine Ridout vanished without a trace, leaving her family devastated. Her daughter, Christine, expressed the unbearable pain their family continues to endure in the absence of her mother. Lorraine, aged 57 at the time, was last seen near her home in Cardiff on the evening of January 31, 2016.

In the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, an extensive search operation unfolded involving specialist divers, forensic teams, and dog units, making it one of the largest police searches ever conducted in Cardiff. Despite these efforts, Lorraine’s whereabouts remain unknown. As the tenth anniversary approaches, Christine emphasized her family’s unwavering commitment to finding her mother, sharing, “We get up each day in hope as that is all we have left.”

On that fateful day, Lorraine was spotted close to the Premier shop on Gabalfa Avenue, near her residence on Aberporth Road. The last confirmed sighting was on Heol Amlwch at 7:40 pm when she was heading to a friend’s house but never arrived. Over the years, the community has rallied, distributing flyers around Gabalfa and Fairwater to aid the ongoing search. Lorraine is described as having a slim build, standing 171cm tall, with brown eyes and black Afro hair.

Christine recalled the painful toll her mother’s disappearance has taken, saying, “Ten years feels like a life sentence with grief and unexplainable pain.” She spoke warmly of Lorraine’s role in the family, noting the grandchildren she never got to meet and the important family moments she missed. Christine’s heartfelt words conveyed the deep love and hope that keep the family going: “Mum, we love you and we have not forgotten you, fighting is tiring but we will never stop and one day hopefully we will meet again.”

Reflecting on the time shortly after Lorraine vanished, Christine initially believed her mother might have been staying with an aunt. However, when Lorraine failed to return home the following evening, concern grew. “My mum’s handbag was there, her phone, her tobacco. Anyone who knows my mum knows she goes everywhere with tobacco,” Christine explained. She added, “This is unusual for my mum, she doesn’t like to go to areas she’s unaware of.”

Those who knew Lorraine describe her as a kind and caring person who loved music and singing, particularly enjoying Marvin Gaye. “She was just lovely, if she could help you then she would,” Christine said.

Missing People charity representative Ndella Senghore appealed to anyone with information to come forward, stressing that their service offers confidential and non-judgemental support. She addressed Lorraine directly, stating, “Lorraine, if you are reading this, please get in touch. Our service is non-judgemental, confidential, and free. We just want to provide you with the support you need and help you to be safe.

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