THE parents of a missing man have described their loss as “painful to the core” as the five year anniversary since his disappearance approaches.

Anthony Stammers vanished virtually without a trace from his home in Mile End Road, Colchester, on May 27 2012.

Despite a wide-scale police search and public appeals for information from his parents Julie and Robert, there have still never been any significant leads.

His parents firmly believe Anthony, who is now 32, is still alive and possibly living under a different identity.

In an emotional interview from their home his parents said they can never give up hope their son will make contact.

Julie, 61, said tearfully: “We are all aware the longer it goes on, the harder it is for someone to come back.”

Robert added: “That’s another side to the publicity - to get the message across that he is much loved and missed.”

Concerns were first raised when Anthony did not attend his grandfather’s funeral on May 28, 2012.

Anthony, who had previously been treated for depression, was last seen on May 27 at 10am when he told his mum he was going to meet a couple of friends in London.

He said he might not return home that night. He texted her an hour later to ask if she could make sure his black trousers were ready for his grandfather Arthur’s funeral the next day.

However, Anthony did not meet his friends or attend the funeral at Colchester Crematorium.

Julie revealed for the first three years Anthony was missing, she used to call out “Hi Anthony. I’m home”, every time she walked through the front door.

The couple have not gone on holiday through fear they could miss him calling back and even a trip away for up to two nights plays on their minds.

Robert, 65, said: “We leave keys with a friend who will check the house and leave notes for Anthony. As soon as we walk in the door the first thing we do is dial 1471. If it is a number we don’t recognise it makes you flutter.”

Julie has kept her hair short through fear her son won’t recognise her and the couple insist they will never consider moving.

Robert said: “We try to keep everything familiar.”

Julie added: “We were always ones for trying new things all the time, years ago.”

Heartstopping moments come when a cold call is made to the house but after a short pause they realise it is not their son.

Julie said: “I say Anthony is that you? I love you, I love you. Then the voice kicks in.”

They’ve come no nearer to figuring out why Anthony, who has a brother James, 35, and sister Cathy, 37, would have left either.

Robert said: “The main thing is to find him, the whys and wherefores we can sort out after.”

A particularly painful time for the family recently was the death of Robert’s mum, Aimie Stammers, who was 92.

Anthony had been close to her, both sharing a passion for reading.

She died on December 11 after suffering from cancer. Julie said: “He was so close to his nanny and we haven’t been able to let him know.”

They had wondered if her death might have been a prompt for the former St Benedict’s School student to get in touch.

The couple say at times the last five years have dragged, at other times they cannot comprehend it has been so long.

Robert added: “The fact is five years without any contact with one of your children is painful to the core. All we want to know is he is OK.”

The couple has said the most feasible place Anthony could have gone is London due to its proximity to home and its size, making it easier to go unnoticed.

He attended university there and had a number of friends there.

However, they admit he could be anywhere and during visits to Wales, Bristol and Brighton over the years have left posters and tried to spread the word of their son.

Churches, homeless centres, hostels and libraries have been other lines of enquiry for them.

Every so often they email the police seeking any updates but there have been none of note.

Robert said: “It feels like we are doing something positive, if we do nothing, nothing will happen.” Anthony is white, 5ft 10ins, of medium build and had short dark hair when he disappeared.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101. Alternatively call Missing People on 116 000.

Anthony’s parents said they wanted their son to know the charity could pass on contact he makes with them without him having to approach his parents directly, if he wishes.