British Man Who Disappeared for Years Found Living in Woods After Marital Strain
A British man who vanished from his home for several years has revealed that he chose to live in the woods after becoming overwhelmed by difficulties in his marriage.
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Malcolm Applegate, a former gardener from Birmingham, said persistent tension and what he described as controlling behavior at home pushed him to leave without informing family or friends. His sudden disappearance led loved ones to believe he had died.
Applegate quietly relocated to woodland areas near Kingston, where he survived independently for years. Drawing on his skills as a gardener, he tended plants and carried out small jobs to sustain himself, avoiding contact and living largely off the grid.
His situation eventually changed when a friend persuaded him to seek support. Applegate applied to Emmaus Greenwich, a charity that helps people rebuild their lives after homelessness, and was accepted.
Now settled and receiving support, Applegate says he has started afresh. He has reconnected with his sister and is slowly rebuilding relationships he once lost. Reflecting on his experience, he described his recovery as a second chance at life and expressed gratitude for the help that allowed him to move forward.
British Man Who Disappeared for Years Found Living in Woods After Marital Strain