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Family of missing British backpacker 'struggling to cope'

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The family of a British backpacker missing in New Zealand have told Sky News they are struggling to cope as searches continue for a fourth day.Stephanie Simpson, from Essex, was last seen on Saturday, when it is believed fellow hikers spotted her walking along Brewster's Track - a popular route in the Mount Aspiring National Park.Ms Simpson had told friends she planned to hike along the trail to Brewster's Hut over the weekend and then move on to Blue Pools, but she was reported missing when she did not turn up to work on Monday morning.Image:Ms Simpson, from Essex, has been living in New Zealand since OctoberHer brother-in-law Sam Hazelton told Sky News: "We are really struggling but just hanging in there.

We hope upon hope for good news."It's the waiting.

We go to bed thinking 'what more can we do?', which is very little.

We don't sleep and then we get up and Stephanie hasn't been found, and then there is a whole other day to get through.

We all feel so helpless."Search and rescue teams have been scouring the rugged and mountainous terrain with teams on the ground, sniffer dogs, helicopters and drones with thermal imagery.Searchers will on Thursday be focusing their efforts in and around Pyke and Fantail Creek areas.Ms Simpson's parents are travelling to New Zealand to help with the search efforts.Mr Hazelton added: "We can't thank the rescue teams enough for their hard work.

Lots of the people on the ground are volunteers and their efforts are so deeply appreciated.

We are just hoping and hoping."The family believe Ms Simpson stayed at the Cameron Flat camping ground on Friday night and police are asking anyone who stayed there and may have seen or spoken to her to get in contact.Image:Ms Simpson had planned to go hiking last weekendMs Simpson has been living in New Zealand since October and was in the Wanaka area because she wanted to explore the local area whilst working as a landscape gardener.She was an experienced hiker and loved the outdoors."Stephanie is very physically and mentally fit," Mr Hazelton said."She has done triathlons, she has completed marathons in three hours 15 minutes, which is phenomenal.

She is extremely strong-willed and determined and we are just praying that will help."Anyone with information is asked to get in touch with Wanaka police.




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Category: A World


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