Mick Murphy hasn’t given up searching for his wife, Samantha Murphy, two months on from the disappearance and suspected murder of the Ballarat mother.
Last Saturday would have been her 52nd birthday.
Mr Murphy said the milestone was an “agonising” reminder.
“It’s all the first anniversaries that are going to be the hardest,” he said.
“We’ve gotta face reality … and realise she’s just not coming back.”
Mrs Murphy went missing on February 4 and was last seen on CCTV footage wearing black leggings and a maroon or brown singlet.
Police allege 22-year-old Patrick Stevenson killed Mrs Murphy while she was on a run through the Canadian State Forest, but they have not publicly identified a motive behind the alleged murder.
Stevenson was charged with murder on March 7, however he is not cooperating with the investigation, police have said.
Two months may have passed, but Mr Murphy still goes out to look for his wife.
He has been unable to return to work, but says he has been putting on a brave face to support his children.
”I can’t give up hope. I still talk to the detectives every few days,” he said.
Investigators believe her remains are somewhere within the 600-hectare forest, and continue to search through the park.
Community searches have slowed down to make room for the investigation, however donations to the Ballarat Soup Bus continue in Mrs Murphy’s memory.
Mr Murphy still makes a weekly donation “for Sam”.
