Serena Beakhurst: Communities united

Such is our expectations of fearing for the worst it seems a near miracle that 14-year-old Serena Beakhurst who went missing for nearly three weeks has been found safe and well.

We are yet know all the details and perhaps don’t need to know, but we can rejoice in the fact that this young girl will be back with her family, and be encouraged that so many people - via the facebook and Twitter campaign - cared.

Her cousin James Andrew told the Voice newspaper: "We are so grateful to all who took the time to post information about her on their Facebook and Twitter profiles.

"This campaign has highlighted the strength of the community and how powerful we can be when we unite our efforts.

Without the dedicated members of the Facebook group, Please help us find Serena Beakhurst, this would have just been another unreported case of a missing child."

Whatever troubles this young woman may or may not have found herself in, I and many others hope that this episode is a reminder to her and others how precious life is and perhaps how we can better fulfill our great potential.

Welcome home Serena Beakhurst, and Happy New Year.

Simon Woolley