UK teen found after six‑year odyssey: Escaped from a spiritual commune, leaving heartbreaking note for mom

This story sent shockwaves across the globe. In late September 2017, Alex Batty, then 11 years old, was vacationing in Spain with his mother and grandfather. He was last seen at the port in Malaga from where he was scheduled to return to his native England. However, the return never happened.

Alex's grandmother, his only legal guardian, had been searching for him for years. She suspected that Alex was intentionally moved by his relatives to a spiritual community in Morocco. It was suggested that Alex's mother harboured anti-government views and often asserted that she "refused to be a slave to the system."

Alex vanished without a trace, and authorities were unable to find any leads. Then suddenly, on December 14, news broke that Alex had been located in France. He narrated his story to a driver who had offered him a ride, and the man, piecing together the information, led the hitchhiker to the police station. The 17-year-old received help there.

He stated that he lived in a kind of nomadic commune. There wasn't any pressure. However, according to him, his mother is slightly eccentric and he decided he didn't wish to live like that. Thus, he chose to set off on his own path, reported the BBC's Remi Buhagiar of La Depeche.

With time, new details are emerging in this case. Reporters discovered that since his disappearance, Alex, who adopted the alias Zack Edwards, had been living a nomadic, almost "primitive" lifestyle with his mother and grandfather in Spain, Morocco, and France. As he matured, he realized that this reality didn't sit well with him.

Moving around. No friends, no social life. Working, working, work and not studying. That’s the life I imagined I would be leading if I were to stay with my mum - Alex confided to The Sun in an interview.

During his interaction with journalists, Alex revealed he wasn't afraid of his solo journey because he was adept at hiking. He knew how to source clean water and ensure his safety when staying outdoors overnight.

I slept outside on the ground. It was freezing. If I needed the toilet I used leaves and grass. My plan was to get to Toulouse and get as far away as possible - he disclosed during his chat with the tabloid.

Alex didn't depart without a word. Before embarking on his adventure, the 17-year-old left his mother a heartbreaking note. He used the message to thank her for nurturing him and vowed not to expose her location to anyone.

Hey, Mom. I want you to know I love you very much. I’m very thankful for the life that you provided for me over the past few years. Don’t worry about yourself. I’m sure you won’t get found. Don’t worry about me either. You know I can look after myself. I love you very much. Don’t be angry with me. Love Alex - the letter read.

Alex is now being looked after by French authorities, and this week he already met with his stepfather and another grandfather. Last Tuesday, he flew to the United Kingdom on a plane, where his grandmother was awaiting him.