The summer of 2025 brought a wave of anxiety to a family in Greater Manchester as 26-year-old Benjamin Ross, a trainee barrister from Golborne near Wigan, vanished on the Spanish island of Majorca. His disappearance triggered a nationwide outpouring of support and a frantic search effort led by his mother, Felix Robinson. The story gripped both the UK and Majorca, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be upended far from home.
A Holiday That Turned Into a Nightmare
Benjamin had travelled to Palma, the bustling capital of Majorca, at the start of June. He initially planned to visit friends and relax before embarking on the next stage of his legal career. He soon found a job with a green energy company and moved into a flat-share, which suggested a promising summer ahead. Regular calls home reassured his mother that he was settling into the new environment.
All that changed on 6 July, when Benjamin’s belongings were stolen as he enjoyed a day at the beach. His phone, passport, wallet, keys and iPad were all taken, leaving him isolated, vulnerable, and unable to return to his accommodation that evening. The theft marked the start of a series of misfortunes. Benjamin reported the incident to local police and attempted to re-enter his apartment, which led to tensions with his flatmates. His mother later confirmed that this confrontation deeply affected him at an already difficult moment.
The Last Messages and Vanishing Without a Trace
Communication from Benjamin grew increasingly erratic. On 10 July, Felix received what she described as a “peculiar” message—her last known contact from her son. The abrupt shift in behaviour raised red flags, and she was soon struck by the terrifying possibility that something was seriously wrong.
Benjamin’s mother, convinced her son was in trouble, reportedly “begged” for help, reaching out to British authorities, Majorcan police, and members of the local community. With little to no progress being reported and a palpable sense of urgency, she made the decision to travel to Majorca herself in the hope of galvanising the search effort.
Felix Robinson’s Own Search Mission
Arriving on the island, Felix began her own search for Benjamin, equipped with only determination and a mother’s resolve. She distributed posters across Palma and scoured the city’s streets for any information. She also coordinated with local authorities and the British Consulate, appearing unwavering despite overwhelming stress and exhaustion.
During interviews with UK news outlets, Felix described her efforts as “torture”. She spoke candidly about the sleepless nights and the emotional toll of searching for her son in a foreign country with a language barrier and unfamiliar systems. The family also received support from friends and strangers alike, with many sharing online appeals and assisting with translation work. Fundraising efforts enabled the family to finance travel and accommodation costs, while surplus funds were promised to Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity—a cause close to the family’s hearts.
The Search Intensifies as British Community Rallies
Felix’s search ignited a wave of solidarity among expatriates, locals, and the broader British community in Majorca. Volunteers joined the effort, amplifying calls for information and keeping hope alive. The Foreign Office supported the family, liaising with Spanish police and providing crucial contacts, while coverage in Manchester and national media ensured the story stayed in the public eye.
The case also attracted attention due to concerns about Benjamin’s mental health. His mother revealed he had been struggling with significant stress, compounded by the theft and series of adverse events. Campaigners highlighted the importance of seeking help for mental health, especially for young men abroad. This point was underscored in many appeals, raising broader questions about support for British citizens overseas.
Benjamin Found Safe After Twelve Days
After nearly two anguished weeks, the search reached a dramatic and uplifting climax. Benjamin Ross was located at the British Consulate in Palma, exhausted and dehydrated, but alive. His mother described the moment she could finally embrace her son as one of overwhelming relief and gratitude.
Friends reported that Benjamin’s ordeal had left him in need of medical treatment, and the immediate priority was to restore his health before returning home. Felix thanked police, the British Consulate, the public, and the media for their unwavering support throughout the search. The family now focused on getting Benjamin back to the UK, securing emergency travel documents and allowing him time to recover.
Official Responses and Lessons Learned
Local authorities confirmed that Benjamin had reported the initial theft but struggled to maintain contact after losing his phone and passport. UK government representatives expressed satisfaction at the positive outcome and reiterated the importance of seeking assistance from consulates in times of crisis.
The family’s experience spotlighted issues facing Britons abroad, including the need for improved communication between families, police, and consular services in missing persons cases. Experts noted that mental health support should be accessible not only at home but also for UK nationals overseas.
Campaigners praised the resilience of Felix Robinson, calling her response “determined and courageous.” The public response also underlined the power of community mobilisation in a time of crisis, from sharing online appeals to offering translation, donations, and emotional support.
A Message of Hope and Healing
Felix Robinson and her family expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of help, saying, “We are so relieved to have found him and are now focused on getting him back to full health and home safe.” They also highlighted the lasting importance of public support and kindness in moments of distress.
