A RELIEVED daughter has thanked the “amazing” people of Petersfield for their help in tracking down her father.
Colin Dyer’s disappearance from Downs House last Tuesday sparked one of the biggest search operations in Petersfield’s recent history.
The 78-year-old with dementia was in surprisingly good health when he was found close to Harrow Lane around 9pm.
But the response from the public has touched his daughter, Hazel Austin, and her family as dozens of well-wishers took part in the search along with the police and specialist teams.
“The response was just amazing,” said Mrs Austin, adding: “Everywhere I went I was stopped by people asking if I had seen him.
“Random people got in their cars were just driving around, looking for him. I can’t thank people enough for their help.”
Mr Dyer only moved into Downs House a week before disappearing and has never wandered off before, according to his daughter
His wife and family chose the “comfortable” Reservoir Lane property because it’s a residential home and not a care unit.
He was found thanks to thermal imaging on a police helicopter while his injuries were reduced to a few cuts and scratches.
While he was found close to Downs House, much of the search effort focused on the Heath because Colin and his wife often went on walks around the beauty spot.
Mrs Austin said: “When it started to get dark we went to the police headquarters on Sussex Road and there were so many people there.
“People were saying ‘what can we do to help?’ We will never forget what they did.”