Charles Horvath-Allan's mother makes last effort in search of answers for missing son

A mother from England is back in the Okanagan this week on one final trip for answers.

Denise Horvath-Allan's son, Charles, was last seen in Kelowna back in 1989. He had been hitch-hiking his way across the country when he disappeared.

"I was very ill after I lost him," Horvath-Allan told CBC. "A roller coaster to hell is the only way to define it."

Over the 25 years that Charles has been missing, Horvath-Allan has made numerous visits to Kelowna in hopes of learning more about her son's mysterious disappearance, but this trip will be her last.

"It's like coming home. I know Kelowna so well and I have so many friends here."

"I'm a senior now, retired, and my health isn't great. The grueling journey is a nightmare for me, let alone the finances."

A vigil will be held for Charles in front of the Sails in downtown Kelowna. Horvath-Allan also has an appointment to speak with the police one last time about the case.

"Over two years ago I requested that Charles's file be considered with the cold case team. I've never had an official answer, but I have a petition to request to consider it because I believe it may be the only way this is resolved."

Although still a mystery, Horvath-Allan is convinced that his disappearance involves foul play.

"Something happened to him that prevented him from calling home. Maybe he got into the wrong company — he was a little bit of a show off."

"I knew something terrible had happened to him, but the brain won't allow you to believe that he's gone."

She says even though this is her final trip to Kelowna, the ordeal will stick with her forever.

"It's not possible to move on. Everyday you get through it hoping against all odds that maybe somebody will stand up and tell the truth."

To hear more of this story, click the audio labelled: Denise Horvath-Allan's final trip to Kelowna in search of answers.