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Mystery donor: £100k reward for missing UK student

The search for a missing university student has taken a dramatic turn after a mystery donor offered a £100,000 reward for information leading to his safe return. The case, which has gripped the nation, now has a renewed sense of urgency and hope.

A Glimmer of Hope: The £100,000 Reward

The desperate search for 20-year-old Alex Carter, a promising engineering student from Manchester, has entered its third week. Just as leads appeared to be drying up, an unprecedented offer has injected new life into the investigation. An anonymous benefactor, now widely referred to as the “mystery donor,” has put forward a staggering £100,000 reward for any information that directly leads to locating Alex.

This substantial sum is one of the largest rewards ever offered in a UK missing persons case involving a private citizen. The offer was communicated to Greater Manchester Police through a reputable law firm, which has verified the funds but is bound by confidentiality regarding the donor’s identity. The police have confirmed the legitimacy of the reward, stating it could be “the key to unlocking the truth.”

The announcement has galvanised public attention, with #FindAlexCarter trending across social media platforms. The focus has now shifted not only to finding Alex but also to the incredible generosity of the individual who has stepped forward.

The Disappearance of Alex Carter

Alex Carter was last seen on the evening of August 28th, 2025. CCTV footage captured him leaving the University of Manchester’s main library at approximately 9:15 PM. He was wearing a grey hoodie, dark jeans, and was carrying a black backpack. His route home to his shared student flat in Fallowfield should have taken around 25 minutes on foot.

His flatmates raised the alarm the following morning when he failed to return home and his phone went straight to voicemail. An initial search by friends and family quickly escalated into a full-scale police investigation.

Key details of his disappearance include:

• Last known location: Oxford Road, near the university campus.
• Last communication: A text message to a friend at 8:50 PM discussing plans for the upcoming weekend.
• Unusual behaviour: None reported. Friends and family describe him as reliable, happy, and focused on his studies. His bank accounts and social media have shown no activity since he vanished.

Detectives have meticulously scoured hours of CCTV footage from the area but have found no trace of Alex after he left the university’s immediate vicinity. This sudden and complete lack of a digital or physical footprint is what makes the case so baffling to investigators.

Who is the Mystery Donor Behind the Reward?

Speculation is rampant about the identity of the mystery donor. The individual’s decision to remain completely anonymous has only deepened the intrigue surrounding the case. The law firm representing them released a brief statement, saying their client “has been deeply moved by the family’s plight” and “wishes only for Alex’s safe return.”

Theories about the benefactor range from a reclusive philanthropist with ties to Manchester to a business magnate who may have a personal connection to the university or the Carter family. Some have even wondered if it’s someone who feels a sense of responsibility or possesses indirect knowledge about the case. For now, their identity remains a closely guarded secret.

This act of generosity highlights a growing trend where private citizens contribute significant funds to aid in high-profile cases. Such a large sum of money can be a powerful incentive, encouraging individuals who may have been hesitant to come forward with information. The involvement of this mystery donor has ensured the case remains in the national spotlight, increasing the chances that a crucial piece of evidence will surface.

Police and Family Response

At a press conference held this morning, Detective Chief Inspector Helen Shaw expressed her gratitude. “We are incredibly thankful to this generous individual. A reward of this magnitude could be the crucial factor that persuades someone with information to do the right thing and contact us. We implore anyone who knows anything, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward.”

DCI Shaw stressed that any information provided would be handled with the utmost confidentiality. She also made a direct appeal: “If you are holding back for any reason, think of Alex’s family. This reward provides 100,000 reasons to break your silence.”

Alex’s parents, Sarah and Mark Carter, gave an emotional statement. “We are overwhelmed by the kindness of a stranger,” said Sarah Carter, her voice trembling. “To the mystery donor, we don’t know who you are, but you have given us a renewed sense of hope. You’ve shown us that there is so much good in the world, even in our darkest moments. We just want our son home.”

The family continues to work closely with the charity Missing People UK, which provides support to families in similar situations. For more information on ongoing cases, you can visit our UK News section.

How the Public Can Help: Information Urgently Needed

The police and Alex’s family are urging the public to think back to the night of August 28th. Were you in the Oxford Road, Fallowfield, or surrounding areas of Manchester? Did you see anyone matching Alex’s description?

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Greater Manchester Police incident room on 0800 555 111 or via the dedicated online portal.

Information can also be passed on 100% anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers. The £100,000 reward is a life-changing amount of money, offered for information that leads to Alex Carter being found. Your call could be the one that brings him home.

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