The best friend of Norwich wrestler Julia Hamer today issued an emotional plea for her to return home for her 34th birthday.
Julian Radbourne begged the wrestling star, known as Sweet Saraya, to end her family’s two months of torture and go home.
He said the strain of separation had left her husband, wrestler Rowdy Ricky Knight, in Hellesdon Hospital suffering from stress and exhaustion.
In a letter to the Evening News, Mr Radbourne, 34, said Mr Knight had lost his way having lost the “love of his life — the woman with whom he found true love in 1989”.
He said the couple’s daughter, Saraya-Jade, 13, had also been admitted to hospital and her weight had plummeted after her mother disappeared on August 27.
Mr Radbourne, of Lynewood Road, Cromer, said in his letter: “Julia is my best friend, she’s like a sister to me. We’re close and we used to speak to each other about everything.
“If either of us had a problem, or we needed some advice, we always knew where to turn. We always knew that we would be there for each other which is what makes this situation so upsetting for me.”
Mrs Hamer and her husband, who previously ran two Norwich pubs, the Plough in St Benedict’s and the Wrestlers’ Arms in Vauxhall Street, had been going through rough times together before she disappeared.
They had money worries, the anniversary of a close friend’s death had passed, their son was in trouble with the police and Mrs Hamer had also been losing weight at an alarming rate due to an eating disorder.
Mr Radbourne said Mrs Hamer had helped him through a bout of severe depression in 2002. He said: “I was at my lowest, but Julia was always there for me.
“We went through some tough times together, but she supported my family and pulled me through, getting me to the point where I am today.”
He said: “At times, it feels like Julia’s died, although I know she hasn’t. It’s a form of grief, but this form doesn’t seem to have any ending.”
He urged his friend: “If you’re reading this, I really hope that you do stay safe, look after yourself and come home when you’re ready.
“Your family loves you and just wants you to come home. You’re my best friend, my big sister, and I would do anything for you. Just come home safely where you belong.”
Mr Radbourne also said Mrs Hamer’s disappearance had caused a great deal of stress within the extended World Association of Wrestling (WAW) family. He said: “Everyone who works for WAW, in any capacity, is feeling the strain and it was obvious that this was the case at Outrage VII at Norwich’s The Talk last Saturday.
“Without Ricky and Julia at the show it was as if the body of WAW was there, but the heart and soul had been ripped out.”
However, he said the family had received a great deal of support.
He said: “It’s at times like this you realise just how many people respect them and I know for a fact that they appreciate everyone’s kind words.”
But he said: “Ricky is convinced someone, somewhere, knows where Julia is, and I agree with Ricky’s train of thought here.
“So today, on Julia’s birthday for the sake of Ricky, Zak, Saraya-Jade and all of her family and friends, if anyone knows anything, please contact Earlham Police Station.”
Police have confirmed that Mrs Hamer is no longer missing.
