Somerset mother continues to search for son who vanished in Sardinia a year ago
The mother of a Somerset man who vanished in Sardinia six months ago has spoken of her torment as the search for her son continues on year since he was last seen.
Cristina Pittalis from Chard is desperately seeking answers about the disappearance of her 25-year-old son Michael Frison, who went missing whilst visiting the Italian island in July 2024.
Michael had travelled to Sardinia to visit his grandparents and journeyed to the remote Luras region on 12th July.
The following day, he set off for a walk and has not been seen since.
Speaking to ITV News West Country, Cristina said it's her "mission in life" to find her son.
The official search operation, which involved drones, a helicopter, mountain rescue teams and volunteers, was called off after 10 days.
Since then, Cristina has taken it upon herself to continue searching for Michael alongside family and friends - and has since moved to Sardinia.
Whilst in Sardinia, Michael met up with a friend he had encountered online, known as Niomi.
She assisted Italian authorities with their initial search and investigation but has since left the island - ITV West Country has been unable to speak to Niomi.
Cristina is particularly keen to speak with Niomi again, believing she may hold crucial information that could help locate her son.
"We need to find Michael's friend, I'm sure she holds vital information, she was the last person who saw him," Cristina explained.
She is urging UK authorities to help with the search efforts, as she believes Michael's disappearance is linked to a online community he had met when he was in the UK.
She went on to speak of the impact Michael's disappearance has had on her, "some days it's hard to find the strength to carry on, but it's our love, our family which gives me the strength to continue."
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