The Northern Echo

3rd October 1997

SPOON-BENDER Uri Geller hopes the power of thought will lead to the fate of North-East hostage Keith Mangan being uncovered.

The Israeli psychic, who still bends cutlery and mends watches merely by his mental powers, appeared at Middlesbrough Town Hall last night as guest of the Hostages in Kashmir Campaign.

Geller donated his time free of charge for the show, in order to raise funds for the charity.

The money raised will be used by hostage Keith Mangan’s wife Julie, of Middlesbrough, to go to India and Pakistan in November in a further bid to find out whether he is still alive and to recruit official and unofficial help.

Julie said: “I’m really grateful to Uri for giving up his time free of charge to help us. He’s very concerned about the fate of the hostages and of course he’s famous and lends publicity to our cause.”

“I also believe firmly in the power of the mind to change things, if enough people do so all at once in a concentrated way. It can only be a power for good.”

Indian forensic scientists are now trying to find out whether the body of a man uncovered from a grave in Kashmir last week is one of four Western hostages still lost since 1995.

Julie said: “Uri’s visit has come at a particularly sensitive time for Keith’s family and mine because of the body they’ve found. I’m sure we can find strength from Uri’s positive attitude and understanding.”

Geller flew into Teesside Airport from his home near London yesterday.

He will also appear on Chris Evan’s television programme, TFI Friday, tonight and at the Albert Hall in front of 5,000 people on Sunday.

He said before his stage show last night: “Julie and Keith’s parents, Charles and Mavis, need to get on with their lives. They need to know whether he is dead or alive. If he is dead he must be given a decent burial.”

“I put up a £50,000 reward for information leading to the hostages. But not only that, Julie believes in the power of the mind. I can provide that. The mind has great potential for good.”

“We all want people everywhere to think positively, so perhaps Keith, the other British hostage Paul Wells, and the two other hostages can be found alive.”