A search has been launched on the island of Madeira after an elite British runner went missing after jogging alone.
At the time 52-year-old Darren Kay was on holiday with his partner Victoria and was staying in Calheta on the Southwest coast of the small Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean - but then he disappeared.
The couple were undertaking a two-hour course together near the town when Darren told Victoria he would run on his own for 30 minutes.
However, he never returned.
Authorities are now thought to have launched a huge search for him, with the UK Foreign Office confirming they were supporting the family of a missing Brit in Madeira.
Refrigerator engineer Darren, from Sedbergh in Cumbria, previously represented England in the prestigious Snowdon International mountain race.
And dozens of his friends took to social media today wishing for his safe return, with one writing: “Hope he is found safe. Thoughts are with Vic and his family.”
Sports photographer Dave Woodhead, 64, who has known Darren for years, said he hoped his vast experience would help him if he was in trouble.
He said: “I’ve known Darren for years to be honest. When I used to run, he would always be around. He ran for our local club. I’ve known Victoria since she was ten.
“In one way, if it was me missing, then it would be more worrying because I’m not as fit as Darren is.
"Darren ran in English championship races. He’s run in appalling weather. He is so experienced, so he would know what to do if something happened.
But he added: “The other side of it is because he is so experienced, you do worry that something may have happened.
"What if it’s a freak accident? There are a lot of hollows and ravines there.
“If he’s gone down a ravine and broken his arm, he could be there for four to five days. But I have no idea what happened.”
Dave said Darren was a “good bloke” who was always prepared to help out others involved in the fell-running community.
He said: “He’s a good bloke. If you ask him to do something, he would do it. In the fell running community, there are no airs and graces about it.
“He’s one of them who mixes with the best. He did the three peaks, massive distance running, and he’s run for England. He’s an international runner.
"It’s hard to tell what happened, but god knows. It’s not good."
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who is missing in Madeira, and are in contact with the local authorities.”
