We need this living nightmare to rnd’: Belfast family endures Christmas without news of missing dad-of-two in Spain
The family of John Hardy, a 37-year-old father of two from Belfast, faced an agonising Christmas as the search for him continues after he went missing in Spain earlier this month.
John, also known as John George, was last in contact with his family on December 14. He had traveled to Alicante to visit friends and was reportedly planning to drive to Benidorm to meet others when communication with him ceased. He was scheduled to fly home to Belfast on December 18, but he did not board his flight.
The PSNI confirmed that a missing person’s report has been filed and stated, “Enquiries are ongoing in conjunction with our international policing partners.”
A Family’s Heartbreaking Plea
John’s disappearance has left his family distraught, particularly during what should be a joyful time of year. His sister, Courtney George, has been vocal about the anguish her family is enduring.
“John would never have gone two days without contacting me,” she said, emphasizing the deep concern over his unexplained silence.
Courtney has shared emotional updates on social media, highlighting the impact on John’s children. “They love their daddy. All they want for Christmas is their dad to come home,” she said.
In a poignant Christmas Eve post, the family shared:
“Whilst you organise your presents, we are organising search parties. Whilst you wrap your presents, we wrap our arms around each other in grief. Whilst your children wait for news of Santa, our John’s sons wait for news of their daddy.
“Every minute of the day is frozen in anxious anticipation, waiting for any news that will bring him home to us and end this nightmare.”
A Search Across Borders
John’s father, Billy Hardy, traveled to Spain to aid in the search for his son. On Christmas Day, he shared a video from the area where John was last seen, expressing the urgency of their mission.
“This is a needle in a haystack,” he said. “I need locals to come help us find our son before it’s too late. I just need him home. Please, somebody tell us where he is.”
The family has been using social media to spread the word and shared details to help identify John, including tattoos such as a half-sleeve on his right arm and a panther on his torso.
Community Support and Fundraising
To support the search, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for travel and expenses. As of Christmas Day, the campaign had raised over £13,000 toward its £16,000 goal.
The family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support but stressed that their focus remains on bringing John home.
“There was no Christmas for my family,” Courtney said. “The only thing we are focused on is getting our loved one back.”
How You Can Help
The Hardy family is urging anyone with information to come forward. They are also asking people to share John’s photo and story widely in the hope that someone might recognize him and provide a lead.
“This living nightmare needs to end,” Courtney pleaded. “Please keep sharing his face and name far and wide—for us, for his family. We need answers. We need him home.”
Anyone with information about John’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the PSNI or Spanish authorities. For those wishing to support the family’s efforts, the GoFundMe page remains open for donations.
As the search continues, the Hardy family remains united in their determination to find John and bring him back to Belfast, where his children and loved ones wait desperately for his return.