The father of Lee Boxell, the schoolboy who went missing in 1988, has spoken about his hope that his son will be listening when he sings with the Missing People Choir on the semi final of Britain’s Got Talent later this week.

Peter Boxell, 70, is one of dozens of singers who will take to the stage in a bid to raise money for the Missing People charity, on Friday (June 2).

Mr Boxell penned the lyrics to the song ’I Miss You’, which reduced audience members to tears when it was performed by the choir during the auditions in April and led to the group to sail through to the next round.

It was written for his only son as well as other missing people.

Lee was last seen in Sutton High Street after he told a friend he was planning to see a football match at Selhurst Park as his team, Sutton United, were playing away at Chorley in Lancashire.

Mr Boxell and his wife Christine have since endured the pain of not knowing what happened to their son and have kept Lee’s room as it was when he vanished on September 10, 1988.

Ahead of the talent show semi-final Mr Boxell said he hoped Lee would be listening and how singing had helped his healing process.

He said: “It would mean everything to me if he is still alive and can hear us and get in touch, but I do fear our son is dead. If he is in heaven I hope he will be listening and can hear how much I miss him.

“Most men my age bottle everything up. I don’t talk to others about how I long to see my son and how what happened affected me. By signing it helps me get these feelings out and it helps with the healing and it is cathartic as well.”

The brave grandfather added the experience had brought people searching for answers about their loved ones together and had created a supportive network.

Mr Boxell said: “We’re all supportive of each other and it is great to know that you are not alone and living in limbo longing to see our loved ones.

“Some of the other members have had loved ones missing for about the same length of time as our son."

The Cheam resident hoped by being in the competition the choir could raise awareness for charity, Missing People.

He said: “It’s ever so exciting. It’s been hard work, but we’re enjoying every moment of it.

“But it’s not about us winning, it’s about raising awareness about the Missing People’s Charity. Many have never heard about it and the charity can provide a service where people leave messages and establish contact.

“My hope is that we are going to reunite a few families and if we do win then it would be amazing because the prize money would go to the charity.”

The choir will perform on Britain’s Got Talent, which will air on ITV from 7.30pm on Friday, June 2.

To find out more about the Missing People charity visit their website here.