The parents of an 18-year-old woman who disappeared for 24 hours after going for a jog in Bendigo have told of their "indescribable relief" when she was found alive.
They were holidaying in the UK when their daughter was reported missing in the Greater Bendigo National Park last Wednesday and had to follow the extensive search from London before they could be reunited with her in Bendigo hospital.
The La Trobe University student was found on Thursday at Maiden Gully,about 15km from where she had gone missing.
A man, 38, briefly faced court on Friday charged over her disappearance. Those charges have been suppressed.
In a heartfelt statement on Sunday, the 18-year-old's parents thanked Victoria Police, Parks Victoria and SES personnel for their tireless efforts, Qantas for arranging their emergency travel, and La Trobe University, friends and family for their support.
"We have cried tears of distress and tears of joy and the ordeal will be ongoing as authorities now follow the appropriate judicial processes," they said.
"This horrendous experience has made our family stronger. Our daughter is an inspirational young person and her friends exemplify a level of integrity and sincerity for which any community would be rightfully proud."
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