Dillon Duffy, 18, from Greater Manchester, went missing on June 18 and has been found in London after a massive search, his mother says it’s “the best feeling in the world”.
The teenager’s mother said hearing her son’s voice after a massive 10-day search was “the best feeling in the world”.
Dillon Duffy, 18, from Oldham, went missing after travelling by train from Manchester to London on June 18, prompting locals to take to social media to appeal for his presence. Now his mother, Donna Duffy, says her son has been found and is staying with his father in a London hotel.
“Hearing my son’s voice was the best feeling in the world,” she said. “It’s such a relief and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support.” Donna revealed on the Help Dillon Duffy Search Facebook page that Dillon had contacted the group himself.
“What Dillon did was amazing. He reached out with confidence and told me his story. Immediately, I wanted to find him. Everyone was desperate to meet him. I finally spoke to him and his voice was Dillon. I was devastated,” she said.
“It was the best thing in the world to hear my son’s voice. I stayed on the phone until he got where he was, and then I heard behind me: Dillon, Dillon! His father is with his son, he’s safe.” Donna described the past 10 days as “hell on earth,” but was quick to add: “What I’ve learned is there is so much kindness in the world. There is so much love that other people have to share. And that’s what got me my son back, brought him home.”
“Without this group, Dillon may never have reached out. I was so blessed that he did. I’m so grateful to every single person who never gave up, who shared the post, who shared the poster, who went out looking for him and just always thought of him. I’m so grateful. I’m so grateful to all of you. Never give up, never stop believing and always keep hoping.”
Donna had previously expressed serious concern when Dillon went missing, according to the Manchester Evening News, recalling that she had left him near Asda in Milne Street, Chadderton, at around 8am when he was meant to be heading off to work but never turned up.
Dillon’s mobile phone was subsequently found at Manchester Piccadilly station, revealing that he had travelled to Stoke before heading to London. Both the Metropolitan Police in London and Greater Manchester Police were informed of Dillon’s disappearance.