A WORRIED family has appealed for help in finding a vulnerable father who vanished from a mental health ward almost three weeks ago.

John Cook, 69, has not been seen since disappearing from the Crystal Centre's Ruby Ward, in Puddings Wood Drive, Broomfield on Monday February 6.

His family, who have tirelessly searched for the retired-bricklayer since his disappearance, say they remain optimistic he will be found.

His daughter, Rachel Garnham, 41, of the Westlands estate, Chelmsford, said: “He is my dad, we just want him found and for him to get the best care possible.

“I’m sure he is alive and we are going to find him, I’m sure he is.

“We have all been searching for him. We have been trying to go down every route possible.”

The stay-at-home-mum told how he was last seen in Clacton, where he checked into the Langtry Hotel in Coine Road, from February 6-9.

The family’s hunt also revealed Mr Cook was later seen in the Moon and Starfish Pub, in Marine Parade after showing revellers a photo.

He is described as 5ft 9”, slim build, with blue eyes, a balding head, fading tatoos on both arms and speaks with a Manchester accent.

He often enjoys talking about war history.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

His last movements were a cash withdrawal from a Barclay’s cash machine in Clacton on Tuesday February 14.

She continued: “We have called every hotel from Chelmsford to Clacton, we have appealed to all the rail stations.

“If anybody sees him, please let the police know.”

A spokesman for the North Essex Partnership Trust, which runs the inpatient mental health service, has launched an urgent appealed for help.

He said: “We urgently want to find Mr John Cook, who has been missing since 6 February when he did not return from home leave as planned.

“As soon as we became aware that Mr Cook had not returned from home leave, we informed a number of his close family members.

“We are working with the police to help find Mr Cook as soon as possible.

“We would like to urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr Cook to contact the Ward Manager at Ruby Ward, Crystal Centre on 01245 515 330 or call Essex Police.”