The millionaire Suffolk businessman backing the campaign to find Corrie McKeague says he is prepared to pay for police to restart their landfill search for the missing RAF serviceman.
Colin Davey, from Coney Weston, near Bury St Edmunds, has spoken for the first time about his desire to help in the search for the RAF gunner, who has been missing since September 24.
Mr Davey became friends with Corrie's family after first meeting mother Nicola Urquhart as she was handing out missing leaflets at the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre last year.
• Why are police searching incinerated waste for missing RAF gunner Corrie McKeague and what do they expect to find?
The businessman, who owns casino website topthelot.com, has reissued a £50,000 reward for information about the airman's disappearance after withdrawing it in February because it had not led to any new clues.
Mr Davey, who used to own Flex nightclub in St Andrews Street South – where Corrie was drinking a few hours before he vanished – says he will put more money forward into the search for the 23-year-old.
He said: 'I used to own Flex nightclub and RAF Honington is not that far from my home, so I was interested in it from the very start.
'I first met Nicola at the Bury Christmas Fayre and since then we have been in regular contact and I have seen first-hand just how painful it is for her and all her family.
'Someone must know something. It was a massive blow that he hasn't been found in the landfill.
'This time I am confident the reward will lead to something and the next few weeks are crucial. I won't be withdrawing it again until we have answers.
'Suffolk police have more than done their share, they have done a great job, but I am prepared to pay some money to complete the landfill search because that is the key to this.'
Mr Davey added he is determined to find answers to Corrie's disappearance and has urged people to come forward.
He said: 'Perhaps someone has heard something at work, or knows someone who knows something. I am not going to give up until we have answers.
'Bury St Edmunds is a lovely town and we don't want it to be famous for a missing soldier. Corrie's family and this area needs closure.'
Mrs Urquhart said: 'Colin has been amazing in his support of our family. He is there emotionally for me and my sons at any time of day or night, and his generosity knows no limits in the time and effort he gives us.
'He is determined to help us in any way he can to find Corrie.'
• Anyone with information relating to Corrie's disappearance should call police on 01473 782019.
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