Grandkids of 81-year-old man missing since last Thursday urge public to help find him

The grandchildren of a missing elderly man from Oldham have urged the public to help search for him.

Ronald Webster, known as ‘Ronnie’ by loved ones, has been missing since last Thursday, September 14th.

The 81-year-old grandfather-of-five was last seen at around 10.52am on Walkers Road, in Limeside, Oldham before getting off the 184 bus at 3.45pm at Huddersfield Bus Station.

Ronald is described as a white male of small build, around 4’11″, grey hair and uses a walking stick. At the time of his disappearance he was wearing a black and blue coat with grey trousers.

Ronnie’s granddaughter Paige Tattersall has been spreading the word of her grandfather’s disappearance across social media in an effort to find him.

She told ITV News: “We’re just getting desperate. Grandma’s absolutely beside herself. She keeps trying to get her shoes on to go find him because she doesn’t understand why he’s not come home.”

Ronnie and his wife, Concepta, have been married for 57 years.

His eldest grandson Kieran Rowlett said he was ‘really, really worried’ about him and that this was the first time he’s gone missing.

“He’s gone for a bit of a wander before, but he has gone and come back,” he said.

“Mentally, he’s brilliant, he can tell you stories from all over the show, but he’s just unable to get about like he used to.”

Ronnie has recently undergone a triple heart bypass, and has prescription medication for that as well as for epilepsy. When he disappeared last week, he did not take any of his medication with him.

Local communities have been showing their support for the family by sharing social media posts and putting up posters around their areas.

Paige said: “People have been so kind. Absolute strangers are approaching us online. They’re out on the streets putting up posters… We appreciate that so much. It only takes one pair of eyes to see him.”

Another of Ronnie’s grandchildren has travelled to Huddersfield where he is leading the search for him.

Ronnie’s family have asked for anyone who knows where he is to look after him until help arrives.

Kieran said: “If anyone does see him, don’t let him leave your sight. Keep him safe, and either the police or us will get there.”

When asked what she would like to say to her grandfather, Paige said: “We love you. We miss you. Grandma needs you, we all need you. If you can just get to a phone, if you can just ring 101 and someone will come and get you.”

Greater Manchester Police have issued a photo of Ronnie captured on CCTV as he was leaving the bus. His family have also released pictures of him in a bid to help bring him home.

Anyone who has seen Ronnie or who may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting 1013 of 16/09/2023.