THE FAMILY of Evesham man Lee Horton has thanked the public ‘from the bottom of their hearts’ for all the efforts in helping to ‘bring him home’.
Lee, 36, was reported missing on March 12 following a trip to Bristol, sparking a widespread social media campaign to locate him.
That search sadly came to an end last week when Gloucestershire Police confirmed on Wednesday that a man’s body had been found on Tuesday, March 25. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Posting on the BringLeeHome Facebook group created to publicise Lee’s disappearance, his brother Kieran Horton, thanked its 2.3k members.
Lee Horton. Picture courtesy of Horton family
“You all brought my brother home – it was not the way we wanted, but we got him home nonetheless.
“Without the dedication, efforts, and support during what has been the worst part of our lives, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Kieran said.
He also thanked all the emergency services, businesses and charities that played a “massive part” and said “we are forever grateful”.
In tribute to his brother, who worked as a carer in a private care home, he said the family wanted to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.
Kieran told the Observer: “We decided that if we went with a charity that could relate to my brother’s experience, and hopefully help save just one person from this, then we would be doing the right thing.”
To make something positive come out of tragedy, the family wanted to raise awareness of how people experiencing mental health issues are everywhere and don’t necessarily show signs of being in distress.
“If any support can be given to help and save one person from enduring this fate, then let’s make a change. Spread the word, and be there for anyone and everyone,” he added.
The family has also announced details of Lee’s funeral service, which will take place at The Vale Crematorium on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4pm.
As Lee was an avid football and Manchester City fan, his family has asked that mourners attending wear a football shirt or bright colours. A private wake for family and friends will take place after the service.
A tribute page on Much Loved has been set up for the “beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and uncle” who will be missed dearly by all his family and friends, who “loved helping and lifting people around him”.
Visit: https://leehorton.muchloved.com/ to share your memories of Lee and donate to Mind.
