A MUM whose son has been missing for two years is convinced she will see him again.

Anthony Stammers, 29, left his home in Mile End Road, Colchester, onMay 27, 2012 and has not been seen since.

Mum Julie Stammers said: “It is extremely important to keep hope. There has been no contact, but I pray every morning and night.

“I know the longer he stays away the harder it is to come back, but he would be welcome back with open arms.

“We love him and we miss him and want to give him a great big hug.”

Anthony was reported missing after he did not attend his grandfather’s funeral on May 28, 2012.

Police carried out searches in and around the town, but his disappearance remains a mystery.

Anthony, who had previously been treated for depression, was last seen on May 27 at 10am when he told his mum he was going to meet a couple of friends in London and might or might not return home that night.

He texted her an hour later to ask if she could make sure his black trousers were ready for his grandfather Arthur’s funeral the next day.

He did not meet his friends, or attend the funeral at Colchester Crematorium.

Mrs Stammers revealed the family had a candle constantly burning for Anthony in the hope he would be found.

She said: “We carry on searching and asking questions, but never giving up. We must never give up hope of finding Ant.

“Our candle burns 24/7 and has a little label tied to it with a yellow ribbon saying: ‘Shining a light for Anthony’. I know one day Ant will see all these lights shining for him and they will light his way home to us.”

Mrs Stammers said having a close family, including husband Robert, daughter Cathy and son James, has got her through the past two years.

She said: “My husband and I keep each other going when one is low and the other is on an even keel. He reminds me we have had no bad news.

“It took me about three months to leave the house.

“Even if I left, I returned quickly to be by the phone.

“Even now, I won’t go on holiday or away for more than a couple of days at best.”

Mrs Stammers is in regular contact with the police, the charity Missing Persons and Anthony’s friends.

She has been overwhelmed by the kindness his friends and residents in Mile End and further afield have shown.

She said: “I try to keep positive.

We believe he is still out there.”

Anthony is white, 5ft 10ins, of medium build and had short dark hair when he disappeared.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively call Missing People on 116 000.