Mum’s joy as her son missing in Malaysia is found safe
Family tell of relief at reuniting with Stephen after two months
THE mother of an Irishman missing for two months in Malaysia told of her joy yesterday after he turned up safe and well.
Stephen Warde, 32, from Kinvara, Co Galway, disappeared on December 29 in the Southeast Asian country.
His mother Mary Morrissey thanked God for answering her prayers after she was reunited with her son.
She posted on Facebook: “As a family we are delighted to report Stephen, my son, has been found safe and well and is reunited with family members in Kuala Lumpar.
“On a personal note I want to thank Stephen’s brothers and sisters who proved to be so supportive to me in recent weeks, in travelling to Malaysia, searching for Stephen and thank God our prayers have been answered.”
Mary also thanked a number people for helping in the search.
She added: “The recent fundraising efforts of so many in Kinvara and my home parish of Clarinbridge has been a real assistance to help us defray costs and I am indebted to you all for your loving support.
“Any balance in the fundraising of activities will be donated to other worthy causes and we will advise on this presently.
“We ask for privacy so we can deal emotionally with this wonderful development and enjoy the reunion with our son and brother Stephen.”
Stephen’s sister Aoife Warde said the family were “delighted” he had been found.
Galway TD Ciaran Cannon said: “I spoke to a family member who is over there and with Stephen, they are delighted to now be able to get him home. He is said to be in good health.
“The details of his location remain sketchy, I am unaware of his whereabouts while he was missing.
“Mary has been just extraordinarily courageous, a typical strong Irish mammy who was not going to leave Malaysia without her son.
“And I know she is grateful for the support the family have received.”
Ciaran also thanked the work of the Irish embassy in Malaysia.
He said: “Eamon Hickey and his team have been fantastic as are any Irish embassy team worldwide, when an Irish citizen finds themselves.”