Ben Chisholm: GoFundMe plea to help missing Magnetic Island man’s family

The family of missing man Ben Chisholm has not given up hope that he will be found alive after almost two weeks of anguish searching Magnetic Island. Here’s why they’re now desperately trying to raise funds.

The family of missing man Ben Chisholm has not given up hope that he will be found alive after almost two weeks of anguish, searching Magnetic Island bushland.

The 22-year-old has been missing since Wednesday, 13 July, in Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island where he was last seen walking towards the Arcadia walking trails.

An extensive bushland search by State Emergency Services, police and other agencies will continue on Monday after some his clothes were found last week.

A GoFundMe has now been set up to support Mr Chisholm’s family cover some unexpected costs while they wait and continue their desperate search for the missing 22-year-old.

“We have set this go fund up for our sister Jackie, Ben and the girls,” Mr Chisholm’s aunt Kaylene Bell said.

“We have all been praying for Ben to be found as he has some of our best search and rescue services from Australian Defence Force, army personnel who were helping assist with the search.

“Meanwhile Jackie and the girls are having to bare the costs of flights to QLD (Maggie Island) for mum to be there waiting for her son to return, she also needs to return to her home not thinking she would be still waiting for Ben to be found.

“Ben’s rent still needs to be paid, bills and associated costs that Jackie and the girls are also having to try and cover, while trying to cover her own rent bills at home.

“There are so many other associated costs involved that have been very unexpected.

Police and SES on Magnetic Island search through arduous terrain.

“Everyone that knows Jackie, knows she is a chick that would give you the shirt of her back, her last loaf of bread and never ask for anything. Her door always open to anyone needing a chat or a feed.

“If you could donate a few bucks it would be a great help and relief to the family and take some of these burdens away, while they are trying to cope with waiting for Ben to be found and brought home

“We will never give up hope for Ben coming home!”

Mr Chisholm has not been in contact with his family since last Wednesday.

The behaviour is considered out of character by those close to him, and his family have expressed concerns for his wellbeing.

Ben is described as caucasian in appearance, about 170cm tall, medium build and long, light-brown hair.

He was dressed in shorts and a dark green long-sleeved pullover. Investigators urge Ben, or anyone with information of his whereabouts, to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Quote this reference number: QP2201200039.

Originally published as Ben Chisholm: GoFundMe plea to help missing Magnetic Island man’s family