Loved ones reveal tears of happiness after missing Portsmouth man Charlie Budd found after frantic social media campaign

Charlie Budd, 25, of Wymering, was discovered by police on Brighton beach on Saturday after ‘vanishing’ nearly two weeks ago on August 26.

The groundworker’s sudden and ‘out of character’ disappearance had left family and friends beside themselves with worry after Charlie - who featured in The News’ missing people coverage last week - had turned his phone off.

Georgia Stabb, who has twins aged two with Charlie, led the social media campaign to find her former partner, along with his sister Amy Budd.

Georgia admitted her fears had been heightened after Charlie had not even been in touch to speak with the twins. Her anxiety was further exacerbated after she knew he had been feeling down several days before his disappearance.

Charlie was seen at his home by his housemate with concerns starting to build after he failed to return to the property and had left with just the ‘clothes on his back’ and a bank card.

Family later posted on social media to say his bank card was used in London, but they did not know if he used it.

However, all the fears and anxieties have now been replaced with feelings of happiness and relief.

Georgia revealed there was an emotional reunion after Charlie was found. ‘Everyone was crying and telling him we were all there for him,’ the 32-year-old said.

‘The kids were so happy to see him and he was delighted to see them. His parents went to Brighton to get him and he’s staying with them now and is safe.

‘Charlie said he just had to get away.’

Georgia told The News Charlie had also been to London during the 10 days he was missing where he was sleeping on the streets.

‘Charlie was exhausted after sleeping rough. He had been feeling down and like he was a burden,’ she said.

‘But there has been so much support for him which he really appreciates and didn’t think he had,’ she said.

‘Hopefully he will be on the up now and is going to see a doctor.’

Georgia added: ‘Thank you so much to everyone for sharing the campaign and to The News. It was shared all over the country from Portsmouth to London and up north.

‘The support was brilliant.’

SEE ALSO: Fresh police appeal to find missing Fareham woman

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