Emotional appeal as ‘ride or die’ couple married 65 years flee respite care
Updated . First published at
The daughter of a couple in their 80s who disappeared after going shopping in Melbourne has made an emotional appeal to find her parents amid fears for their wellbeing.
Claudette Geraghty, 83, and Colin Geraghty, 89, had last been seen driving in Glen Waverley on Saturday.
A couple disappeared after going shopping in Melbourne. Victoria Police
On Sunday night, Victoria Police said the pair had finally “been located safe and well in the Maryborough area” after a worrisome weekend for their family.
They were only put in respite care at Wheelers Hill retirement village on Tuesday, and self-discharged about 11.15am on Saturday.
Their neighbour Sharon Jeikishore had gone to check on them on Saturday when she said no one answered.
The couple were later seen leaving the Glen Shopping Centre on Springvale Road about midday in their white 2015 Mazda 2 with registration 1ER8FK.
“It’s just so extremely out of character for them. We’re just really worried and just want to make sure they’re OK,” daughter Linda McKelvie said earlier.
The couple, who have four great-grandchildren with another on the way, had not been answering their phone.
Claudette Geraghty, 83, and Colin Geraghty, 89. Nine
Police and family were worried due to their age and medical conditions.
Mrs Geraghty has vascular dementia and lymphoma, and Mr Geraghty has Alzheimer’s.
Authorities feared the pair, who have been married 65 years after meeting on a dance floor, may have been confused.
Their daughter revealed she missed a call from the couple before they disappeared.
The daughter of a couple in their 80s who disappeared after going shopping in Melbourne has made an emotional appeal as fears grow for their wellbeing. Nine
Mr Geraghty left her a voicemail saying the pair didn’t want to stay in respite care.
“We do wonder whether that’s probably part of it, that they’ve they’ve gone somewhere just to be together,” McKelvie said earlier.
“There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other, they’re ride or die,” Jeikishore said.
There was a tip-off on Sunday afternoon that the couple had been spotted having a coffee at Brandon Park shopping centre, and picked up medication from Priceline.
Mrs Geraghty, who uses a wheelchair, is 142 centimetres tall with a solid build, and short grey hair.
A couple in their 80s have disappeared after going shopping in Melbourne. Victoria Police
She was wearing a pink zip-up jacket, floral shirt, dark pants and carrying a handbag.
Mr Geraghty is 172 centimetres tall with a thin build, balding grey hair and glasses.
He was wearing a dark-coloured long sleeve top, pants and white shoes.
“Please come home, Mum and Dad, or at least call us. We’re all so worried about you,” McKelvie said.
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