TWO sisters of an Irishman who went missing in India a year ago are to go there next month. The family has spent a traumatic year hoping a clue to his fate would turn up.
Mr Paul Roche (28), a geologist from Wexford, worked in Dublin and was a climbing and hiking enthusiast. He left in September 1994 to trek around Nepal, India and possibly Pakistan. He travelled alone and remained in regular contact with Ireland until last July, when he disappeared without trace.
A missing persons report was put out by the Department of Foreign Affairs but produced nothing. Interpol has a full description of Mr Roche.
His parents, Elizabeth and William, who are retired in Wexford, are devastated. Now, two of his three sisters are planning to go to India to try and trace their brother. Jennifer, who works in Dublin, said that even to know what happened would be a great relief to the family.
Their investigations revealed that his last traveller's cheque was cashed a month before he went missing and he had Pounds 800 in uncashed cheques.
Contact was made with fellow trekkers in Canada and Australia who provided details of the route he intended to take. "Although there are police check points along the route, the authorities have not been able to confirm that he took this route, despite numerous requests for this information", she said.
The family could not begin to grieve or deal with the event until they had more certain knowledge. They felt they had to make an effort to find the body, or even her brother's luggage.
It is expected to cost between and Pounds 8,000 and Pounds 10,000 each for thetwo sisters to make the trip. Fund raising events have been organised, including a benefit in Wexford on July 24th, at which 13 bands will play for free. Donations can be made to the National Irish Bank, Bull Ring account number 2105796, sorting code 951744.{EDITION}CITY EDITIONWexford geologist, Mr Paul Roche, was incorrect in last Friday's editions. It should have read account number 21057596 at the National Irish Bank, sort code 951744.