THE family of a missing Birkenhead man have made an emotional appeal for information as they prepare to mark his second birthday away from home.

Brendan Taaffe was last seen at his sister's home in Larch Road, Birkenhead on January 25 last year.

Police and his family are becoming increasingly concerned about his whereabouts, in particular his mum Ina and his three children Louis, Beth and Ellie.

His family has issued a plea for Brendan to get in touch as it approaches his 41st birthday on Tuesday, April 26.

His mum Ina said: "Every day without Brendan around is painful but it is even worse on his birthday, Christmas and other family occasions.

"He is a very happy go lucky person, outgoing and funny. When Brendan walked into a room he would light it up.

"He is missing out on so much - his sister Diane is getting married later this year and we would all love him to be there.

"He will be very much missed on his birthday. It doesn't get easier as time goes on - we have no closure and imagine all kinds of things and go through every emotion from hope to despair.

"If Brendan reads this I would like to tell him not to worry and not to be frightened about contacting police or us to let us know he is OK.

"I really want to hear from him as soon as possible, I just want to know he is safe and well as do his children and sisters."

Brendan's 19-year-old son Louis also appealed for information about his dad.

He said: "If he is out there and anybody knows where he is please contact us and let us know he is OK.

"It doesn't have to be him. It would be nice if it was and even better to see him but we just want to hear some news of him.

"He is like one of my mates - we had a really good father-son relationship.

"I can't describe how I felt when he first left. One day he was there and the next he wasn't.

"It was very difficult. I have been through counselling but as time has gone on I've learned to cope.

"He has missed my 19th birthday and my little sister Ellie and Beth's birhdays. I had been hoping for a card through the letter box but there wasn't one. We all deal with him not being here day by day.

"One day, hopefully, he will come home and that's when we will all be back as a family.

"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him and what he's doing.

"If he is scared to come back there's no need to be. The family has grown a lot closer since he left and we all just want him back.

"If I could speak to him I would say get in touch whenever you can. I miss him like mad and want him to come home or at least know he's OK."

In the week of Brendan's birthday officers will be delivering leaflets in Birkenhead appealing to anyone with any information about Brendon's whereabouts to come forward.

Senior investigating officer in the case DI Dave McCaughrean said: "It is out of character for Brendon to go missing and to not be in touch with his family, who are desperate to hear news about him.

"We would like people to cast their minds back to the early hours of January 25, 2010 and the following days and contact us if they remember seeing anyone matching Brendon's description walking along the road in Birkenhead so we can piece together his movements in those first few days which may give us some vital clues.

"If Brendan reads this appeal we urge him to get in touch with us, or the Missing Person's Helpline, so we can give the important news to his family, who miss him so much, that he is safe and well.

"Even if he doesn't want to be found, we can let his family know he is OK without telling them where he is.

"When people go missing in Merseyside we treat each report extremely seriously. We hold daily meetings about them and follow up every lead we receive until they are found.

"We have spoken about Brendan every day since he was reported missing and are determined to get some good news for his family and bring them some peace."

Anyone with any information about Brendan's whereabouts, or think they may have seen him, can call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 0272, or Crimestoppers, anonymously. on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, call the Missing Person's Helpline on 0500 700 700.