‘We will never forget her’: Rebecca Hayward’s family still searching for answers two years after she vanished near Alice Springs

THE coming of the New Year was a heartbreaking reminder for Rebecca Hayward’s family of the hole her disappearance has left in their lives

Mother of three Rebecca Hayward went missing from Alice Springs on January 1, 2017. Picture: Supplied

THE coming of the New Year was a heartbreaking reminder for Rebecca Hayward’s family of the hole her disappearance has left in their lives.

It has been two years since the mother of three from Perth disappeared near Alice Springs “without a trace” on January 1, 2017.

Despite extensive searches of the area where Ms Hayward (pictured) was last seen walking along the side of the Stuart Hwy, 10km north of Alice Springs, police turned up nothing.

Rebecca’s mother Lorraine Hayward marked the sombre two-year anniversary of her daughter’s disappearance last week.

She said their family had still not given up hope that Rebecca would be found alive one day but they needed the public’s help.

“Not a day goes by where we don’t still think about our Rebecca,” she said.

“Time is moving really quickly and the longer it takes for us to find out what happened it’s going to be hard to really find her.

“Since Rebecca disappeared, she has missed out on seeing her children celebrate their birthdays, share their joy at Easter, watch them unwrap their Christmas presents.

“She was a loving mother with a passion for music and a wonderful sense of humour.

“We will never forget or stop searching for her.”

An NT Police spokesperson said Rebecca had not accessed bank accounts and there had been no activity on her phone or internet accounts since she was reported missing.

“People don’t realise what it’s like to have someone you love go missing,” Mrs Hayward said.

“The sadness overwhelms you and comes on like waves.

“The love for our young grandchildren is what keeps us going. Please, anyone who has seen her or overheard someone speak about giving her a lift, please come forward. We need your help.”

If you have sighted Ms Hayward or may know anything in relation to any missing person, contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.