Mother's Heartbreak: Eight Years Without Missing Daughter Georgina
Andrea Gharsallah faces her eighth Mother's Day without answers about her missing daughter, Georgina, who disappeared after leaving their Worthing home on 7 March 2018. Georgina, aged 30 at the time, called out "bye mummy, love you" and promised to see her mother later, but they have not seen each other since.
"Every day I think of her," Andrea told The Independent. "Because she's in the house, there are pictures everywhere. I feel close to her. I have things that are always close that remind me of her. I think about her every day." Andrea, now 64, cares for Georgina's two sons, aged 15 and 16, and the family includes her other three daughters, who constantly seek new ways to commemorate Georgina and raise awareness.
Keeping Memories Alive
On special occasions, the family sets a place for Georgina at the table, buys presents, and celebrates her birthday with a cake and countryside walks. "Little things like that to keep continuing as though she was still here," Andrea explained. "Because I think if I didn't do it, it's like forgetting mummy or forgetting my daughter and accepting that she's not coming back. I won't ever accept that, even though I do feel that she possibly has come to some harm."
Georgina told Andrea she was going into town to get her phone fixed and run errands on the day she vanished. A police investigation followed, with two men arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after, but they were released without charge. Over the years, there have been unconfirmed sightings, but no breakthroughs.
Mother's Day Traditions and Grief
To mark the eighth anniversary of Georgina's disappearance, Andrea planted roses called "Georgia" and "Child of Mine" in a section of her daughter's allotment named "Georgina's Secret Garden," complete with a wooden plaque. For Mother's Day, Andrea's other daughters will visit for tea and cake, bringing something to enjoy as they did with Georgina. "You always know and sense that part of the family is missing – you almost feel guilty for being together because Georgina is not there," she said.
Andrea plans to drive with her grandchildren to do something special, often releasing balloons on the beach with messages for Georgina. "It's sad, but also I think I'm keeping that connection to mummy for them," she noted. Last Mother's Day, one grandson said, "I don't think we're ever going to find mummy," while another admitted, "I can't remember my mummy's voice," moments that deeply affected Andrea.
Police Investigation and SafeCall Launch
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme stated that Sussex Police have conducted extensive enquiries, visiting over 900 properties, examining nearly 400 exhibits, and speaking to more than 2,000 people. In August 2019, Georgina's disappearance was recorded as a homicide due to the lack of contact or traces of activity. "Sadly, we have to consider the possibility that Georgina has come to harm at the hands of another," he said, expressing frustration at the unresolved case.
A Crimestoppers reward of £20,000 remains for information. Meanwhile, Missing People has launched the SafeCall service, a national lifeline for the 72,000 children who go missing annually in the UK, funded by The Independent's £165,000 campaign. Families are participating in Light the Way walks this March to raise awareness.
Andrea reflected, "When you look back and think about it, you think, where have the eight years gone? I've been doing this for eight years, trying to keep her memory and story alive. It takes over your life and becomes your life. That's the main priority: finding answers and creating awareness. I can't stop – I need to carry on until we find answers, if we ever find any."
