Yahoo News Catherine Shaw: Appeal launched for British backpacker missing in Guatemala
The parents of a 23-year-old British backpacker missing in Guatemala say they are "desperately worried" about her as they released a video urging her to get in touch.
Catherine Shaw, from Witney, near Oxford, was last seen on 4 March and reported missing the day after.
She had been touring the San Pedro, Lake Atitlan area in the south of the central American country with a friend.
In a statement released through the Lucie Blackman Trust, which is supporting the family, her parents said they have been "desperately worried" since she disappeared.
"She has always been really good about keeping in touch and informing us of her whereabouts and activities. So this is unusual behaviour which gives us great concern for her safety. Please help us to find her," they added.
In a video released by the trust, her mother urged her to get in touch as they need to know she is happy and well, while her father described his daughter as of "slim build, and about 5ft 7in tall."
As her mother held up a picture of Catherine, her father she may have shorter hair now.
"Your friends, your family are all really worried about you, please come home sweetheart," he added.
The Lucie Blackman Trust chief executive Matthew Searle stressed how the "first few days are vitally important" because those who may have seen something could still be in the area.
"We urge anyone who may have any information, no matter how small, to get in touch as soon as they can. They could hold the key to bringing Catherine home," he added.
The trust said members of her family are travelling to San Pedro to join the search this weekend.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed they are supporting the family of a British woman and are "in contact with the local authorities as they search for her".
Anyone with any information should call the Lucie Blackman Trust on +44 (0) 1983 718802, then option 1, email ops@lbtrust.org or, if they are in Guatemala, they can contact local police.
