Lewis Potter, 25, has been detained while on holiday in Taiwan after officials reportedly found an item in his suitcase. His mother, Erin Potter from Fife, described the ordeal as a nightmare.
Mother speaks of heartbreak
Erin Potter said: "As a family, we are heartbroken. We are extremely close, and having Lewis so far away has left a huge hole in our lives. For over a month, we had no contact with him and didn't know what had happened."
She added: "The uncertainty, the language barrier and the seven-hour time difference have made this one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. Every day has felt like a nightmare, and all we want is to know that our son is safe and to give him the best possible chance of getting through this."
Lewis's account of events
Lewis, a former Liverpool Theatre School student and tutor at LP Creative, insists he was unaware of the suitcase's contents. According to his mother, he and a friend had planned to travel to Taiwan together, but the friend pulled out and asked Lewis to take his suitcase for him instead.
She said: "Lewis says this was someone he trusted, and he had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with the suitcase. His case is currently under investigation, and he is receiving legal representation as the legal process continues."
Family seeks legal help
After weeks of searching for answers, the family appointed a lawyer in Taiwan who met with Lewis. Until then, no one had been able to speak to him, including the British Embassy. The family had to pay for a lawyer to visit him.
Erin said: "Lewis is only 25-years-old and is a professional dance teacher who has dedicated his life to helping children and young people through dance. He owns his own dance business and spends his days inspiring children of all ages to grow in confidence and follow their dreams."
Crowdfunding for legal costs
The family launched a crowdfunding appeal to cover legal costs, anticipated to be approximately £12,000 — £6,000 during the investigation and a further £6,000 if the matter goes to court. Additional costs include translation, communication, provisions for Lewis, and potential flights to Taiwan.
Erin said: "Every penny raised will go directly towards supporting Lewis and giving him the strongest legal representation possible during this incredibly difficult time."
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national detained in Taiwan and are in contact with the local authorities."
The appeal, titled "Supporting My Son Lewis Potter", has raised more than £1,200 so far.
