A FATHER from Grimsby whose son was killed 14 years ago has launched a national helpline for parents who have lost a child to murder or manslaughter.
Tony Corley's son Mark, 23, was shot in the head and his body was then buried on remote farmland in Bolam, near Darlington, in December 2000.
Nobody has ever been convicted of the killing.
In 2009, Tony wrote a book – More Questions Than Answers? – about his family's pain and quest for justice, which has now been updated and rereleased.
He has also launched Understand, a 24-hour helpline to support other families whose loved ones have been victims of murder or manslaughter.
He said: "Not a day goes by when I don't think about Mark and what he would be doing now.
"Every morning when I wake up the pain is still there. You learn to block it out, but it never goes away.
"I wanted to use what I have been through to help other people in a similar situation.
"It's all well and good talking to a therapist but they don't really understand what you have been through.
"I can't bring these people's loved ones back, I wish I could, but I can't. But I can be there to listen to them and to help them in any way I can."
Tony, 62, a retired builder, lived in Grimsby for almost 20 years, at homes in Freeman Street and Willingham Street, and now lives in Leicestershire.
He still hopes that Mark's killers will eventually be brought to justice.
"I've republished my book with new chapters on my search for justice," he said.
"People ask me why I don't just let it go, but if you have lost a child in that way then you know that's not an option.
"I live in hope that somebody will see the book and will come forward with some information that will bring his killers to justice."
Mark fell in with a "bad crowd" when he moved to Grantham, to live with his mother.
He was missing for five months before his body was discovered by drainage workers who were digging a ditch.
Five people were arrested but a £2-million murder trial at Nottingham Crown Court collapsed in 2002 when it emerged Lincolnshire Police had unlawfully bugged the suspects' conversations with their lawyers.
Copies of Mr Corley's book are available on Amazon and can be ordered at Waterstones stores. He also hopes to launch e-book and Kindle editions.
To contact the Understand helpline, call 07775 471039.
