Pilot's family stunned by public kindness as they plan to issue update on new search
David Ibbotson's family are appealing for help
Monday 11th February 2019
The family of missing pilot David Ibbotson have issued a message of thanks after more than £120,000 has been pledged so efforts to find him can resume.
Mr Ibbotson was flying the Piper PA-46 Malibu which vanished from radar near the Channel Islands on January 21, before the aircraft's wreckage was located after an underwater search last Sunday.
Emiliano Sala 's body was recovered from the wreckage this week, but no trace of Mr Ibbotson has been found.
Investigators confirmed their search operation at sea is over, with poor weather conditions leading them to decide on leaving the aircraft at the bottom of the English Channel.
The family of Mr Ibbotson, from Lincolnshire, launched a GoFundMe page on Friday night with a bid to resume efforts to find him.
Within 48 hours, the appeal has raised more than £120,000 out of a £300,000 target.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and French footballer Kylian Mbappe are among those to have donated to the fund.
The family have issued a message of thanks after the public have got behind the appeal, taking it to almost half its target within two days.
Danielle Ibbotson, who set up the online crowdfunder, issued an update on Sunday, saying: "From the bottom of my heart! Thank you to each and everyone for your kindness.
"We will keep you all posted once we know more information on what is going to happen and the plan."
The plane vanished from radar on January 21 while making its way from Nantes to Cardiff. The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch say an interim report into the accident is due to be published by February 21.
Danielle's original message to the public on the page read: "Please help bring David Ibbotson home and help give him the send off he deserves.
"As a family we are relying on the kindness of the good hearted people to help us raise the much needed funds to help us find our beloved Dad, Husband and Son.
"As a family we are trying to come to terms with the tragedy and the loss of two incredible men.
"To be told the search has now been called off for the foreseeable future has only made this tragic time more difficult.
Ship carrying Sala's body docks in Dorset after leaving wreckage site
"We can not bare the thought of him being alone, we need him home so that we are able to lay him to rest.
"Any donations would be very much appreciated.
"Thank you so much for your support Ibbotson Family."
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