A WORRIED family today issued a desperate plea to a woman who has been missing from home for almost two weeks.
Susan Gray, 55, scribbled a note to her family saying 'Sorry, I can't let you see me like this any longer. I know I've got Alzheimers' before disappearing on November 9.
The note was left on the corner of an envelope on the kitchen table of her home in Allerton Drive, Burnley, and she left without her handbag, cash, belongings or her medication.
The message is not thought to be a suicide note and there have been possible sightings of Susan at Burnley's Central Station on November 12, when she was spotted walking beside the tracks, and on Friday in Church Street, Burnley.
Her family have put posters up all over Burnley, Accrington, Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool in the hope someone will have seen the mum-of-four. Susan's numerous close friends are calling the family daily, desperate for news.
Today, her daughter Lisa, 22, told how her mother's personality had changed over the past year as she was hit by the death of her mother. The previously outgoing and caring grandmother became increasingly withdrawn, suffering panic attacks and angry that treatment was not working. Her symptoms do not match Alzheimers, which her father suffered from.
Lisa, of Landsdown Close, said: "Ten months ago she was a bubbly, outgoing person, independent, well known, a very strong person. She's dealt with a lot in her life and always bounced back.
"She nursed my grandad and used to look after George, Zane, her other grandson and her granddaughter Georgia. She used to take them out a lot. But all that's changed.
"Her mother was diagnosed with cancer in January and that's when she took a nosedive, that's when the depression and anxiety attacks started. Although the medication had stopped the panic attacks, to us it's making her more lifeless and depressed. We'd try to talk to her and say 'you've got to try and come out with us more'. I think she felt a burden, helpless and that no-one understood her."
Susan lives with her husband Jimmy and youngest daughter Kerry, 21. She has lived in Burnley all her life and used to enjoy trips to Blackpool. She would often go shopping in Accrington and Blackburn.
Her disappearance is taking a toll on the whole family and her children Lisa, Tanya, Anthony and Kerry are keeping busy by searching the county for her.
Lisa said: "We just want her to get in touch with us if she's reading this. Please get in contact, at least ring us. If anybody thinks that they might have seen her don't hesitate to call."
Susan is 5ft 2in, with dark brown, collar length, wavy hair and was wearing trousers, a grey three-quarter length duffle coat with a hood and brown, calf length boots. She has green eyes and could be wearing glasses.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen Susan Gray should contact police at Burnley on 01282 425001.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article