HEARTBROKEN relatives of a former Brierley Hill bank manager have launched a fundraising appeal in his memory to help a missing person’s charity that supported them during his disappearance.

Father-of-two Stephen Woolley was missing for three months before his body was recovered from the River Severn, near Gloucester, on Friday, March 3. He had been battling depression.

His son Matt, aged 24, said they were given huge support from Missing People during the 12 weeks his 55-year-old dad had been missing and wanted to do something to help others going through the same ordeal they went through.

He also paid tribute to his father and said he would be greatly missed by his devastated family and friends.

Stephen Woolley was born in Birmingham on April 12 1961 to John and Albina Woolley while his younger brother Mark joined the family in 1965.

Sadly, his mum died of breast cancer, aged just 41, in June 1971 when he was just 10. His father met his future step-mother Janet and Mr Woolley gained a sister.

He met his beloved wife Carol on April 10 1982, two days before his 21st birthday, at his sister Jeanette’s engagement party.

They married in Walsall on April 25 1987 and moved to Kidderminster. Eldest son Matthew was born in 1992 while their second son, Daniel, arrived three years later.

Mr Woolley worked for Barclays Bank until 2000 at various Black Country branches including Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Brierley Hill, where he was branch manager.

He took time out to look after his sons and the family home before becoming a part-time exam invigilator at Bewdley School and as a poll clerk for local elections.

Matt said that, more recently, his father had become a volunteer at Hartlebury Castle and Museum helping out with refreshments and activities such as pumpkin carving.

Away from work, the life-long Aston Villa supporter and season-ticket holder enjoyed swimming, going to the gym, walking and cycling.

Mr Woolley was also a member of Kidderminster Male Choir and loved listening to music, especially Simon and Garfunkel and Eva Cassidy.

Other interests included being an active CAMRA member and seeking out new ales, cross stitch embroidery and reading crime fiction. He also loved Italian food – a result of his proud half-Italian roots.

Matt said: “He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and work colleagues.

“We have been truly touched by all the support given us whilst he was missing and although this is not the outcome we would have hoped for we can now have closure to say our goodbyes.

“We were supported by the Missing People charity during the three months he was missing and we have set up a charity page in his memory to raise funds for them to support other families who have found themselves in the same situation we were in.”

People can donate to the page by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/findstephenwoolley.