Mother of British man, 25, who went missing while volunteering on a farm in Sardinia issues desperate plea

The mother of a British man who disappeared while volunteering on a farm in Sardinia has made a desperate plea for his safe return.

Michael Frison, 25, from Chard, in Somerset, has not been seen since leaving for a walk in rural Luras on July 13.

Mr Frison, who grew up in Bristol, had been visiting family while volunteering in the northern side of the island. A police search was suspended on Friday. 

His mother Cristina Pittalis has now flown to the island, where she said her son left this phone, laptop and ID at his accommodation. 

In a video shared on social media, Ms Pittalis said Mr Frison's younger brother Emanuele had been 'suffering from your absence'.

She said: 'I know you are alive. I'm looking for you, and I am very worried. 

'I understand how close you two are, and he loves you very much. 

'I feel in my heart that you are alive.'

'I know that seeing the civil service or even the Carabinieri [police] looking for you might make you scared,' the worried mother added.

'You don't need to be afraid to be found. Don't hesitate to approach someone for help if you need water or food.

'Remember how much Emanuele is suffering from your absence. He even sent you a voice message.'

In a voice message Mr Frison's younger brother said:  'I miss you, come home.

'Whoever receives this message, find my brother and tell them I sent this message.

'Tell him my name. Tell him I miss him and I love him.'

A fundraiser has been set up to try and raised funds to get volunteers out to Sardinia in the search for Mr Frison. It has raised £2,765 so far.

Organiser Evie Baker wrote: 'On Saturday 13th July Michael went missing in Sardinia. He was due to start some volunteering but felt unwell, not used to the hot climate and possibly dehydrated he was given water and went to sleep. 

'When he woke he said he was going for a walk and now sadly he is missing. 

'I can't tell you how genuinely lovely this family is I'm absolutely heartbroken for them.'