Draft family statement

Our sister and aunt Louisa, was taken in Syria in October 2013.

Our family misses her very much and is concerned for her safety. We think about her every day and hope she feels that and finds strength in that. We know she is thinking of us and that she will be worried about us too.

Louisa is an incredibly experienced nurse and aid worker who knew the risks of her job. Our family is incredibly proud of her and of the work she's dedicated her life to. She has true goodness in her heart, that's why she became a nurse - she loves helping people. She's been through tough times in her job before, but she stuck at it because she loves it.

Our family has been in regular contact with and supported by New Zealand Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the New Zealand Government throughout this ordeal.

We miss Louisa very much. We love her and we just want her home.

We do not intend to make any further statements. For the safety of Louisa, and for our family at this difficult time, we ask the media to please respect our privacy.

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