The family of a murdered shop assistant today released 26 white balloons into the sky to mark her birthday.
Lisa Dorrian vanished from a party at a caravan site along the Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland four months ago. Loyalist paramilitaries have been blamed for her killing. But despite a massive air, land and sea search and a £10,000 reward her body has never been found.
Lisa's sister Joanne (22) said today will be a poignant one for the family. "We've always known Lisa's birthday would be a difficult day.
"She would've been 26 years old and ready to party with her family and friends for the weekend. But she's not here to celebrate with us and that's heartbreaking for everyone who loved her.
"Releasing 26 white balloons is the only way we've had to mark such a special day. As they drift up into the sky they will be a symbol of hope that Lisa will be back with us very soon."
The tribute will be watched by Lisa's parents, John and Patricia, and her sisters, Joanne and Michelle. Lisa went missing from the caravan park in Ballyhalbert, 10 miles from her home in Bangor, Co Down, on February 28th. She left behind her handbag and personal belongings.
Graffiti appeared soon after accusing the Loyalist Volunteer Force, a splinter terror group heavily involved in drugs and racketeering. Messages painted on the entrance of the village's Moatlands Estate read: "PSNI: ask the LVF where Lisa is" and "LVF drug-dealing scum".
Joanne said her family will be unable to grieve properly until Lisa's body is found.
"My sister had a bright future ahead of her until it was cut short by the brutes and cowards who murdered her and hid her body in a bid to escape detection.
"Together as a family we have now faced the dreadful truth that Lisa is dead, but our pain has been compounded by the fact that we have nowhere to go to grieve for Lisa.
"We need her back, we need a place to lay Lisa to rest, a grave to tend and a headstone with her name, something that will show the world that she was a brilliant, lively girl who lived for family, fun and friends."
Appealing for information, Joanne added: "We know people know where Lisa's body is and we desperately want them to let us know where to look so we can be a family together again even if she is not alongside us in our home."
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Anyone wishing to donate to the Lisa Dorrian Appeal can lodge money at anyUlsterBank. The appeal sort code is 98-03-40 and the account number is 36959056.