Father of missing Malton chef Claudia Lawrence gives emotional radio interview (From Gazette & Herald)

Father of missing Malton chef Claudia Lawrence gives emotional radio interview

3:07pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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PETER Lawrence, father of missing chef Claudia, says he is still confident that she is alive.

In an emotional radio interview, he said he drew comfort from the fact that she had not been found dead and that kept his hopes and beliefs alive.

The Slingsby solicitor, speaking about 35-year-old Claudia’s disappearance 14 weeks ago near her York home, said a mixture of his religious faith and hope – “and a good deal of friendship” – had motivated him during the massive search for his daughter.

A tearful Mr Lawrence said: “It has tested my faith but if you don’t have faith what do you have? She hasn’t been found dead and so long as that continues there is hope that she is alive.

He said he had been deeply touched by the number of people who had told him they were praying for Claudia’s safe return.

“There are a great many people praying, and not just in churches, and people of different faiths,” he said. “I wouldn’t like to be without it – the journey would be far more difficult.”

Even the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, had told him he believed Claudia would be found alive.

His composure had been “tested” over the allegations about Claudia’s private life. “If I didn’t have my work I would go mad,” he said, adding that his faith and the support of many friends had been invaluable.

“I just thank them with all my heart. So many people are praying for me and my family and Claudia.”

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