Great British Bake Off star John Whaite has revealed his sister has been found alive in Portugal after he pleaded for information on social media.
He told Twitter on Tuesday afternoon: “I am delighted to say that Victoria has been found.
“She is alive, she is sober but she is very very distressed (it seems she was found JUST in time).”
I am delighted to say that Victoria has been found. She is alive, she is sober but she is very very distressed (it seems she was found JUST in time)
Thread
— John Whaite (@John_Whaite) August 6, 2019
“A stranger recognised her and took her into her house. Each and every one of you, who has tweeted, shared and commented, has saved a life today.
“And I cannot thank you enough – you are all angels.
We are now going to focus on getting her home and back in good health in the privacy and protection of our family.
My gratitude to each one of you is undying. You’ve helped save a sister, a daughter and a mother – thank you. ❤️ https://t.co/cX3CQqEE8F
— John Whaite (@John_Whaite) August 6, 2019
“We are now going to focus on getting her home and back in good health in the privacy and protection of our family.
“My gratitude to each one of you is undying.”
John, the winner of the Great British Bake Off 2012, put out a desperate plea to find his sister after she went missing at Faro airport in Portugal on Saturday.
The TV star said that his sister, Victoria Cunningham, didn’t have her passport with her and claimed: “Portuguese police aren’t interested in helping us search for her.”
Please retweet.
My sister has gone missing from Faro Airport. We are all worried for her welfare. Portuguese police aren’t interested in helping us search for her. pic.twitter.com/VvrXwP8skz
— John Whaite (@John_Whaite) August 5, 2019
John explained that Victoria was supposed to board a flight on Saturday with her boyfriend but was turned away “due to breakdown and intoxication”.
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He went on to explain that she suffers from “depression” and “PMDD” – premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
He added: “Boyfriend leaves her at Faro airport.”
She is vulnerable and could pose a risk only to herself.
Family worried sick. Have informed consulate, UK police, Portuguese Police.
End Thread. https://t.co/QsGdDNzsiM
— John Whaite (@John_Whaite) August 6, 2019
John said she was due to catch a new flight on Monday and was “left by police at check in” before she absconded without her passport and money.
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He said: “If you see her please tell her that her family just want her home safe and sound.”
Explaining that he was at home in UK relaying the information, John added of his sister’s mental state: “She is vulnerable and could pose a risk only to herself.”
Yes she dumped her own passport
Yes she was intoxicated
Yes the Portuguese police have said they don’t have to look for her unless she commits a crime
But she has a history of mental illness and suicide risk. This behaviour stems from diagnoses of depression and PMDD.
— John Whaite (@John_Whaite) August 6, 2019
Revealing that his family were “worried sick”, John said that Victoria “has a history of mental illness and suicide risk”.
John won the third series of the hit BBC show when he was 23 and now works as a chef and TV presenter. He has also written a number of cookbooks.
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