A SISTER has made an emotional appeal to her brother — who went missing 18 years ago — to come home.

Nikki Sullivan has not spoken to her brother Harry Douglas since shortly after her wedding day in June 1996, when suddenly and without warning, he left without a trace.

Mrs Sullivan, who described her brother as being “like a father-figure” to her during their years growing up in Chorley Old Road, wants to let him know that both their mother and step-father, Doreen and Richard Taylor as well as their grandfather Harry Brogan have died in the time that he has been missing.

Mr Douglas, who would now be 56 years old, has also missed the birth of two of his sisters three children, who she would love him to meet.

Mrs Sullivan, aged 40, said: “I have been searching for Harry for so long and have tried everything, including contacting television shows Jeremy Kyle, Long Lost Families and Surprise Surprise.

“I was recently going through my mum’s photographs, who died from liver cancer last year, and I came across this picture of Harry. It was like mum was talking to me and telling me to find him.

“We still don’t know why he left, there had been no arguments or anything — he just upped and left.

“About a year after that he was seen working as a Father Christmas in Crompton Place shopping centre, but we have heard nothing since then.

“Harry always looked out for me when we were younger, he put me first in everything he did and would take me to the pictures and to watch football with him, he was a massive Manchester United fan.”

She revealed that prior to his disappearance — Harry had worked as a postman in Bolton as well as stints as a cab driver and in the bakery at Warburton’s.

He had also been married, but the relationship had broken down.

Mrs Sullivan is urging Harry to get in touch so he can attend the upcoming wedding of her eldest daughter.

She said: “I believe that Harry is still alive and is still out there. I miss him and just want to give him a big hug.”

Anyone who may have information about Mr Douglas’ should contact The Bolton News on 01204 537271.