THE FAMILY of missing musician DJ Derek have said that they plan to hold a memorial for him next year even if he is not found by then.

“If he is dead, we want to give him a good send-off. A celebration of his life,” said the pensioner’s great niece Jennifer Griffiths.

“We know that a party is the way he would want to be remembered, going off in style.” 

“We are still holding out hope that he might be found, but at this point we just want closure, even if it means we know he is dead.”

It has been almost four months since the popular DJ, Derek Serpell-Morris was last seen leaving a pub in Bristol on July 11 and, despite an extensive police search, there has been very little to suggest his current whereabouts.

The search for the 73-year old extended to Thornbury, Dursley and the surrounding area after Derek’s bus pass was used to travel to Thornbury on the night he went missing.

“We have checked all through Thornbury, as have the police and we have even gone as far as Dursley but there have been no more evidence or leads to go on with.”

“The police search may be over but we are keeping the online campaign open.”

There had been worries that he might have collapsed in a remote area or even taken his own life because of health worries.

Ms Griffiths added: “We have been truly touched by people’s interest and desire to help us find him, and how much respect people have for him. We hope that people will come to join in the memorial.

“But at the same time, if the people in the area of Thornbury could remain vigilant if they are out walking their dogs, because if they happen to spot him, that could mean everything.

"The only thing we can do is hope the campaign keeps going in case someone finds him, so if he is spotted, please contact the Police, or us through the Facebook group.”