In a compelling episode of Channel 5's Vanished, Locate International took center stage - our Founder and CEO Dave Grimstead collaborated with the police and Missing People UK to shed light on the mysterious disappearance of Marcus Rigby.

Airing on 15th November 2023, the episode aimed to raise awareness and appeal for information, urging viewers to help with the search if they believe they know anything that may help.

Marcus Rigby, known affectionately as Marc to his family and friends, vanished without a trace from his hometown of Grange-over-Sands near Cartmel in Cumbria on April 17, 1995.

At the age of 27, Marc embarked on a journey, informing his mother that he was heading towards the West Country. Hitchhiking his way toward London, Marc made a crucial contact with his aunt from the services at South Mimms on the M25/A1 interchange.

After staying with them for a short time, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was dropped off at the Tesco's on Marcham Rd Interchange, situated on Junction A34 and A415 in Oxfordshire. Expressing his intent to hitchhike to Weymouth, Marc's trail went cold. It is believed he stayed in Artist Row, a street verified by a cheque bearing his handwriting. 

Unfortunately, the cheque was refused by the bank and sent back to his mother's home, where Marcus was still registered as living. The area, known for its opportunities for casual labor, aligns with Marc's past experiences. 

This marks the first time that Locate International's innovative service, Quest, has been used on a live missing person case. Quest is a dedicated initiative designed to provide comprehensive family support for missing persons. With a commitment to making a meaningful impact, Quest combines the expertise of Locate International with a tailored focus on assisting families in their often challenging and emotionally taxing quest for answers. The service recognises the unique and complex nature of missing person cases, aiming to alleviate the burdens faced by families by offering a range of support services.

Quest encompasses a holistic approach, offering emotional support, guidance through legal and investigative processes, and practical assistance in navigating the complexities associated with a missing person's case. The service is not only designed to help families cope with the uncertainty and distress surrounding a loved one's disappearance but also strives to empower them with the tools and resources necessary to actively participate in the search for answers.

By engaging with families on a personal level and leveraging Locate International's extensive network and experience, Quest aims to provide a beacon of support in the challenging journey that families of missing persons often face. Locate are now reviewing the circumstances surrounding Marc’s disappearance and we are exploring additional avenues. Collaborating closely with Marcus's family, they are determined to uncover the truth. 

The goal now is to encourage as many people as possible to watch the Vanished episode on Catch Up and reach out to us with any information you may have.

By harnessing the collective power of the audience, we aim to piece together the puzzle surrounding Marcus Rigby's disappearance. 

Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be the key to solving this decades-old mystery. 

Watch the Episode