A "distraught" mum has urgently flown to Sardinia to search for her missing British son who vanished after feeling ill.

Michael Frison, hailing from Somerset, was declared missing in the vicinity of Luogosanto, Valdicorru at about 5.18pm on Saturday, July 13. He suddenly became "confused" and has since remained out of contact. He was on the Italian isle visiting family and had plans to do volunteer work.

In a poignant Facebook plea, his mother Cristina Pittalis asked for assistance in locating Michael and journeyed last week in hopes of finding him. Cristina spoke of her son as a "sweet boy" and expressed her deep concern over his welfare, especially since he had left his mobile phone at his accommodations before heading out for a stroll.

She implored locals to check their properties and join the search effort. Highlighting that Michael was not accustomed to the scorching climate and might be suffering from dehydration, she recounted: "He went to sleep, and the following day, he was visibly confused. So they gave him water and let him sit in the shade. But he said he would go for a little walk and he hasn't been seen since," according to her statement, reports the Mirror.

Cristina, in a heartfelt interview with ITV, shared: "Michael, I want you to know that I'm not looking for you because I want to hold you close to me. I just want to know that you're alive and you're well. I need to know. How can I live my life not knowing. I just want to know that you're okay."

Earlier, on Facebook, Cristina had emotionally posted: "My son Michael disappeared in the countryside near Luogosanto, Valdicorru. Yesterday, Saturday, July 13, at 5.18 pm he undressed everything and disappeared. He's 5'7 tall, brown, long hair, shaved sides. Beach pic was taken last week, so very current."

Describing the urgency of the situation she continued, "He is confused, very thin from the photos. Mother speaks English, but speaks Italian very well. I live in England and I am planning to get to Sardinia as soon as possible, but I need your help now. Police were contacted at 1pm today, and they are certainly stepping up the search, but your help is crucial."

Despite intensive efforts by firefighters and the local Forest Guard police, the exhaustive search was halted last Friday.

Furthermore, during the ongoing search, Cristina had said: "Michael still hasn't been found. The search has begun. Firefighters and Forest Guard are doing their best to find him. He is a very sweet boy, you can approach him without fear, please, if you see him stop him, talk to him, but don't leave him alone. I saw it please."

"Tell them about mommy and her baby brother. The police are looking for him but the area is too wide. Please, if you can, look in your lands, in your homes. If you get a chance, please go and help with the research. But don't go alone, blindly, talk to fire groups, or civil protection, offer your support, ask what and how you can help. They know how to move, and how to coordinate the research groups Please, we need your help."

A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the family financially during this difficult time. A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office was quoted as saying: "We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Sardinia and are in contact with the local authorities."