The family of a journalist who went missing in Costa Rica last year are calling on those holidaying in the country to help with their search.
Michael Dixon, a British journalist based in Brussels, was on holiday in Costa Rica when he vanished from his hotel in October 2009.
Dixon, who will turn 34 on 19 July, was reportedly last seen on 18 October. His family contacted the hotel he was staying in after he failed to turn up to work and were told he had not been seen by staff for over a week.
His younger brother David, who lives in East Croydon, travelled out to Costa Rica to search of Dixon last year, but returned alone without any new leads.
David is now asking people to wear special 'Help Find Michael Dixon' T-shirts on his birthday next week, which can be bought from their campaign site's online store.
"If anyone can get involved, especially on his birthday, we would greatly appreciate it," he told Journalism.co.uk.
"You get people from all across the world going to Costa Rica on holiday. We are just reaching out for any information as to what happened to him. He could have spoken to someone about what his plans are. We are appealing to everybody."
David said his family will continue to search for their son and brother.
"We have to be postive," he says. "That is what is keeping us going. We are still speaking to the police. From time to time we get a few witnesses come forward with reported sightings, but nothing concrete."
On Facebook more than 3,500 people have joined a page dedicated to the search for the journalist.
Writing on the site, his family says Dixon loved to travel.
"Every year he picks a new destination and most of the time goes there on his own. Some of his recent trips include Bali, Thailand and Mexico. Michael has always been an incredibly warm and caring son, brother, friend and colleague. He is loved and respected by everyone he interacts with. Michael has many friends around the world who miss him dearly."
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