Colleagues of a Hull man who has gone missing while on a hiking holiday in Italy have now joined the search.
Matthew Hall hasn’t been seen since setting out for a walk from his accommodation, B&B Ploncher Hotel in Chiavenna, Lombardy, in northern Italy, last Tuesday – five days into a week away exploring the Alpine Valchiavenna region.
It is understood that he was officially declared missing after he failed to check out of the B&B on July 11. He had been supposed to fly home, taking a flight from Milan to Manchester, on Saturday, July 12, and the lack of contact, coming after he had sent many updates and photos to his mother Sara Foster and his friends, have left them worried for his safety.
On the last day he was seen, he sent a friend a photo of a well known cross at Alpe Daloo, a photo which has given hope to friends and family waiting back home in Hull for news.
Sara, who has thanked the Italian authorities for their support and updates, has told how a group of his close friends has journeyed to northern Italy to join the search and rescue teams scouring the area for Matthew, 33.
A group of his work mates at Quickline is also understood to have approached bosses, to ask if they too can fly out to the Lombardy region to team up with search efforts. As a result, five have now flown out.
A spokeswoman for Hull based broadband provider Quickline said: “We can confirm that five Quickline colleagues are travelling to Italy to assist in the search for our missing colleague, Matthew Hall.
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“We remain in close contact with Matt’s family and are doing all we can to support them during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with Matt and his loved ones, and we are all hoping for a safe and positive outcome.”
It is believed Matthew was a wearing a beige shirt and carrying a black backpack when he set off for a hike. Italian media has reported how search and rescue operations have involved the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza, and the Alpine Rescue team. The teams are reported to have been thoroughly combing the area above Borgonuovo di Piuro.
His mother Sara said: “I feel like I’m living someone else’s nightmare but I’ve just been blown sideways by all of his friends. I didn’t know them all but I do now. The way that they have just leapt into action has been unbelievable, it really has. I obviously realise that he’s very loved.
“He’s fit, he’s resourceful, so that’s what’s keeping me positive. He’s well travelled, and a solo traveller. He’s a walker and has all the gear. We just need to find him and bring him home to safety.”