Ben Needham's mum takes big step in making sure no family of a missing child is 'left feeling alone'

Ben Needham's mum takes big step in making sure no family of a missing child is 'left feeling alone' Ben Needham, a 21-month-old toddler, disappeared on the holiday island of Kos in 1991 but, despite several claims of sightings, his whereabouts remain unknown The mum of missing Ben Needham has launched a government petition calling for a dedicated family support team to be funded for all missing children cases. Little Ben disappeared, aged 21 months, on the Greek holiday island of Kos in July 1991. Despite one of the longest missing person investigations in British history - including two excavations at the farmhouse where he was last seen - Ben’s whereabouts remain unknown. Mum Kerry said: “Being Ben Needham’s mum has meant carrying a pain and a heartbreak that no parent should ever have to experience. Ben disappeared in July 1991, and every single day since then I have lived with the hope of finding answers and bringing him home. “Over the years, I have seen first-hand the emotional journey that families of missing children face - the fear, the uncertainty, the endless waiting, and the desperate need for someone to guide and support them through the darkest moments of their lives. “That is why I am so pleased to announce that a government petition has been approved calling for funding for a dedicated family support team for all missing children cases.” She added: “This means so much to me because I know how important it is for families to have someone beside them from the very beginning - someone who understands, listens, and helps them through a journey that can last a lifetime. “I am asking people to please sign and share this petition. Together, we can help make sure no family facing the disappearance of a child is left feeling alone or without the support they desperately need.” If the petition receives 100,000 signatures or more, it could lead to a parliamentary debate. The Government is required to respond to all petitions that receive over 10,000 signatures. The petition says: “As the mother of Ben Needham, I know the pain of no answers. Families face unequal support. We call on the UK Government to fund a centralised team to ensure fair, equal help for all missing children cases. so no family fights alone. “Families of missing children in the UK face an unfair and inconsistent system, where support, funding, and resources vary widely between cases. No family should have to struggle alone or feel their child matters less because of circumstance or attention. “This petition calls on the UK Government to establish a fully funded, centralised team to ensure equal support, resources, and long-term assistance for all families of missing children - so that no one is left to fight for answers on their own.” South Yorkshire Police had feared Ben was killed in a digger accident but despite intensive searches, no evidence was found. The force recently told Kerry it will no longer be investigating the case. Instead, the Greek police will be in charge of probing the disappearance of Ben. Kerry believes her son may have been taken to the USA. She recently released an age progression image of her son showing what he may look like now. To sign the petition visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/770392#main-content .