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Madeleine McCann’s parents issue statement on her 20th birthday

Home> News

Updated 09:31 12 May 2023 GMT+1Published 09:12 12 May 2023 GMT+1

Madeleine McCann’s parents issue statement on her 20th birthday

They said they will never give up hope

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Madeleine McCann's parents have shared a statement to mark their daughter's 20th birthday, saying they are 'never going to give up'.

Madeleine vanished from an apartment in the Algarve while on holiday with her parents Kate and Gerry McCann in 2007.

At the time, she was just three years old.

Despite years passing since her disappearance, her parents have never stopped hoping for an answer.

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Kate and Gerry McCann.
TC/Alamy Stock Photo

In a Facebook post on the official Find Madeleine Campaign page, they shared a video tribute to their daughter - including an image that said: “Happy birthday Madeleine! We love you and we’re waiting for you.

"We’re never going to give up.”

In the post's caption, Kate and Gerry added: "Happy birthday Madeleine. Still missing. Still very much missed. Still looking.

"For as long as it takes..."

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They marked her 20th birthday in a Facebook post.
Facebook

Earlier this month, her sister Amelie - now 18 - spoke publicly for the first time since her sister vanished without a trace.

Marking the 16th anniversary of her disappearance, people came together in Rothley, Leicestershire, to pay tribute to Madeleine.

As Amelie joined her parents to light a candle in memory of Madeleine, she said: "It’s nice that everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion."

Rev. Rob Gladstone, vicar of the local parish church addressed supporters with words of encouragement and said: "We are here this evening to show our loving concern for Madeleine and for all young children who have been taken away from their families against their will.

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“We are also here to encourage one another to keep up hope and pray for a renewal of strength even after this long time.”

Kate's retired head teacher, Brian Kennedy, also shared some comforting words for the couple and Maddie.

He said: "Kate and Gerry are very moved by the size of the group of people who turned up. After all these years people still assemble - some come every time and some are new and we are very grateful.

Madeleine disappeared in 2007.
Collect/Handout/Alamy Stock Photo

“16 years without someone and still not knowing where they are is a very long time. Even if it was bad news, in some ways, would give us some closure.

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“But with no closure, there is still hope."

While Kate and Gerry were also present, they did not address the group of 70 locals and supporters, but shared warm pleasantries with everyone.

However, they posted a statement on Facebook to mark the anniversary of their daughter's abduction - sharing a poem by Clare Pollard that 'resonates strongly' with them.

"Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction," they wrote.

"Still missing…….still very much missed.

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"It is hard to find the words to convey how we feel."

The poem ended with the line: "The police investigation continues, and we await a breakthrough."

Kate and Gerry added: "Thank you to everyone for your support - it really helps."

Featured Image Credit: TC/Collect/Handout/Alamy Stock Photo

Topics: UK News, World News, Madeleine McCann

Jess Hardiman
Jess Hardiman

Jess is Entertainment Desk Lead at LADbible Group. She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

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@Jess_Hardiman

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