Maddie’s parents ‘hang on to hope however small we’ll see her again’

Maddie McCann would have turned 18 today and her parents have shared a heartbreaking message to mark their missing daughter’s birthday.

Madeleine McCann’s parents “hang on to hope, however small” that they will be reunited with their “lovely” daughter one day as they remember her on the painful 14th anniversary of her disappearance today – just days before she would become an adult.

In a brief but emotive message posted online and exclusively reported by The Sun, Kate and Gerry wrote: “This year it is particularly poignant as we should be celebrating Madeleine’s 18th birthday,” sombrely adding: “Enough said.”

It continued: “As we have said repeatedly, we need to know what has happened to our lovely daughter, no matter what.

“We are very grateful to the police for their continued efforts. We hang on to the hope, however small, that we will see Madeleine again.”

Madeleine McCann would be celebrating her 18th birthday this month.

Former GP turned medical worker Kate, 53, and heart doctor Gerry, 52, opened their heartfelt message on the Find Maddie website and Campaign Facebook page by stating: “Every May is tough – a reminder of years passed, of years together lost, or stolen.”

They told how “the COVID pandemic has made this year even more difficult for many reasons but thankfully the investigation to find Madeleine and her abductor has continued”.

The pandemic has also forced them to cancel their annual gathering held to mark Maddie's birthday for the second year in a row.

The couple from Rothley, Leicestershire, thanked their legions of wellwishers and supporters, revealing: “We still receive so many positive words and good wishes despite the years that have gone by. It all helps and for that we are truly grateful – thank you.”

Their post is accompanied by an iconic picture of a beaming young Maddie emblazoned with the words: “Thank you for not giving up on Madeleine”.

Kate and Gerry McCann hold an age-progressed police image of their daughter during a news conference to mark the 5th anniversary of her disappearance on May 2, 2012. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Kate and Gerry will remember their daughter privately behind closed doors after an outdoor prayer gathering was again cancelled for a second time due to coronavirus restrictions.

They will spend the Bank Holiday at home with 16-year-old twins Sean and Amelie – nine days before Maddie’s milestone birthday on May 12.

The McCanns usually attend the Sacred Heart Catholic Church near their home, before walking a mile to a war memorial to join supporters in prayer.

Local churches yesterday broadcast services on YouTube which included prayers for “stolen” Madeleine.

A candle still burns around the clock at the village centre at Cross Green, as a beacon of hope for the world’s most famous missing child.

Three-year-old Maddie vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal’s Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007.

Maddie disappeared in Praia da Luz, Portugal on May 3, 2007.

She had been left sleeping alone with her younger twin siblings while her parents were dining in a nearby tapas restaurant with pals.

But despite 14 years passing since her disappearance, Kate and Gerry will “never stop hoping” of finding their daughter, a close relative has said.

Maddie’s great uncle Brian Kennedy, explained: “It really is hard at times to think of how long this loss has been but we never stop hoping.

“Gerry and Kate have been great survivors and are fortunate in having the huge support that is still out there.”

The retired head teacher, 81, added: “We’re just grateful that police are still searching. It gives us hope.”

Convicted paedophile and rapist Christian B, 44, remains under investigation as the prime suspect in Maddie’s abduction.

British cops have requested new funding to carry on the $22 million global search for her which is set to be approved by the Home Office.

Convicted paedophile and rapist Christian B, 44, remains under investigation as the prime suspect in Maddie’s abduction

The Sun exclusively revealed that German investigators have reportedly been given fresh leads into Christian B's background – raising hopes of more clues into the notorious cold case.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission