AN ALDERLEY Edge mum is missing - and feared to be dead - following the devastating tsunami disaster.
Jennifer Solomans was swept away by giant waves which struck the Thai holiday resort of Phuket where she was staying with husband, Alan and two sons, Ben, 15 and Richard, 12.
The rest of the family have now returned to their home in Woodbrook Road, while the search goes on in the region and medical records have been sent to aid identification.
They were on holiday with neighbours Nick and Amanda Parr and their son, Jack, 15, of Trafford Road. Jack suffered a hairline fracture to his skull and returned home with his mother while Nick remained in Bangkok to aid the search.
Mrs Solomans disappeared in the giant wave that struck around midday on Boxing Day. They were staying at the Sofitel Magic Lagoon Hotel in the Khao Lak area.
A spokesman said 415 guests were staying at the hotel and about 200 guests are still missing after the tragedy.
"Following the giant wave that devastated the Sofitel Khao Lak we are all in sorrow and the victims, their families and friends are in our thoughts."
The death toll in Thailand now stands at 4,500 with another 6000 missing. More than 3600 deaths have been recorded so far in the Phang Nga province of Thailand where the two families were staying. Nearly 2000 of those were foreigners, many staying in the holiday resort of Khao Lak.
Ten international teams of scientists are now involved in the operation of identifying the dead.
The devoted mum who helped to set up St Philip's mums and tots group is among 159 British holidaymakers still missing in the wake of the disaster which has claimed 150,000 lives and left five million homeless in the region.
A church service was held at St Philip's by Canon Brian Young to pray for Mrs Solomans and other casualties of the disaster which hit Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. More than 80 parishioners attended.
"We will give the family all the support we can as a community and as a church family. They are very much in our prayers, " said Canon Young.
Meanwhile, a Wilmslow charity worker is in Thailand helping United Nations volunteers bury the dead.
John Farrington, 35, of Buckingham Road, flew to the region to aid the rescue mission within 48 hours of the disaster.
He is working for the humanitarian organisation Roots and Shoots and hopes his presence will as a link for Wilmslow families seeking information about loved ones feared stranded.
It is feared other Wilmslow holidaymakers are among casualties and medical centres confirmed many teenagers and adults had vaccine jabs prior to travelling to the region for Christmas.
The disaster which has shocked the world has led to an overwhelming response to the massive relief operation and a record £6,000 was donated to Oxfam, Wilmslow, in just three days.
Shops, pubs and businesses have all set up funds to aid the appeal and have been amazed at the generosity of support.
And as the aftermath of the disaster struck home leader of the borough council, Wesley Fitzgerald, called for citizens to observe three minutes silence at noon on Wednesday. Shops including Hoopers department store came to a standstill and prayers were said at churches throughout the area.
