Day 2920: Friday 01 May, 2015 - Update Eight years.

MAY 2015


Day 2920: Friday 01 May, 2015 - Update Eight years. 

Updates

There's no gentle way of putting it. Whilst most days, weeks and months are fairly similar –

Madeleine is missed every day – this time of year cuts deep as it's a harsh reminder of time having passed and precious years with Madeleine lost.  

Without a shadow of doubt, the love, support, help and prayers that we continue to receive from so many people, in spite of the years which have gone by, encourages us, maintains our hope and lifts our spirits. 

We are also buoyed and reassured by the unwavering commitment and continued progress being made in the investigation. We are really grateful to the Metropolitan Police team for their conscientiousness, patience, consideration shown to us and above all, their will to find Madeleine and determine what has happened. 

Cooperation with and from the Portuguese Police has, and still is, vital to the success of the investigation. We are very appreciative of the joint working relationship established between the two forces.

 Next month, I will be raising awareness again of the charity Missing People, and the many children who go missing every year. One child is too many. I will be taking part in a 500 mile charity cycle from Edinburgh to London and during this journey, I am hoping to promote the UK's Child Rescue Alert (CRA) system. If you can help me, please do by either donating at www.justgiving.com/KateMcCann/ and/or signing up to the CRA at www.childrescuealert.org.uk.

We've always promised ourselves that something positive has to come out of all the suffering Madeleine and our family have endured. If highlighting the issues of child abduction (and missing children in general) and raising money to enable the charity Missing People to carry out their invaluable work improves this very real and heartbreaking problem, then every push of those pedals will be worth it. Always. 

 Thank you again for your incredible and very humbling kindness and support.  

Kate and Gerry

Day 2556: 02 May 2014 Monday, Madeleine Beth McCann, 3rd May 2014 - Seventh Anniversary Since Madeleine’s Abduction

MAY 2014

 

Day 2556: 02 May 2014 Monday, Madeleine Beth McCann 

Updates 

3rd May 2014 - Seventh Anniversary Since Madeleine’s Abduction

Seven years without our daughter, seven years without a big sister for Sean and Amelie. Sometimes we feel totally stuck for words. A lot of the time there are no words. Our situation seems as unbelievable as it did that very first night without Madeleine.

 

Whenever I find myself becoming paralysed with disbelief, unease, frustration or sadness, I have to refocus my mind on the positives, of which there are many.

 

The Metropolitan Police force continue to make encouraging progress in their investigation with new evidence being uncovered, fresh information coming in to the inquiry following appeals and subsequently, links being made between people and events. We are hugely grateful to the general public for continuing to support the investigation, especially those who have found the courage to come forward with information despite difficult circumstances. Whilst the MPS are cautiously optimistic of beginning enquiries on the ground in Portugal in the near future, we really hope that this will turn into a concerted effort from the Portuguese authorities as we know there is still a lot to do. Working together is key to the progress of the investigation and a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) could provide a more streamlined way of working with less bureaucracy. It may be seven years since we last saw Madeleine but the passing of further weeks and months as a result of unnecessary delays and barriers are not only frustrating, they are incredibly distressing. Each day without Madeleine and each day of not knowing is another day too many, regardless of how much time has already gone by.

 

May is an important month for all missing children and their families worldwide with May 25th being International Missing Children’s Day. This May is particularly special in the UK as a new enhanced Child Rescue Alert (CRA) system (to help find abducted and missing children in serious danger) is to be launched by the charity Missing People and the National Crime Agency. This system (based on the highly effective ‘Amber Alert’ in the USA) I believe, will help to save the lives of abducted children and ease the suffering faced by their families. It’s a very exciting step forward.

 

Throughout the whole month, the charity Missing People are running a ‘Forget-Me-Not’ campaign with several different ways for the public to get involved to help find missing children. One really important and simple way you can get on board is by signing up to the Child Rescue Alert. By registering, you will receive an alert with relevant information, by text or email, when a child is abducted in your area. This way you can join the search immediately and play a vital role in helping to find a child in danger. Please take a minute to visit www.childrescuealert.org.uk and sign up today. There are several other ways to help too – Take a look on www.missingpeople.org.uk.

 

It goes without saying, but needs to be said….We are grateful beyond words for the continued and unwavering commitment, help and love from all our faithful supporters. Thank you SO much for keeping Madeleine in your hearts.

 

 

SEVEN YEARS.

STILL MISSING.

STILL MISSED.

NEVER FORGOTTEN.

THANK YOU.

Kate

Day 2455: 21 January 2014 Tuesday, Madeleine Beth McCann, Unidentified People of Interest to the Inquiry

Day 2455: 21 January 2014 Tuesday, Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Unidentified People of Interest to the Inquiry  

Campaign

Contact Us  

Have you seen these men? Do you know who they might be?

 

These two pictures show a man carrying a child away from the family's apartment. This sighting was seen by a witness at 21:15 on the evening of Thursday, May 3rd, 2007. 

 

Based or more recent information, the Metropolitan Police now believe this man may represent a guest at the Ocean Club who was carrying his daughter back to their apartment. However as it is not possible to be certain that these two men are actually the same person, if you have seen this man in the pictures or suspect who it may be, please contact the Metropolitan Police's OPERATION GRANGE on 0207 321 9251 (0044 207 321 9251 from outside the UK) or Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk and/or the Find Madeleine team on +44 845 838 4699 or investigation@findmadeleine.com. 

 

The picture shows a man that was seen several times by different witnesses during the days leading up to Madeleine's abduction on May 3rd 2007. He was described as ugly with pock-marked skin and was said to be watching the family's apartment intently. 

 

If either of these men appear familiar to you in some way, please contact our investigation team as soon as possible

Day 2421: 18 December 2013 Wednesday, Madeleine Beth McCann, Christmas 2013

DECEMBER 2013

 

Day 2421: 18 December 2013 Wednesday, Madeleine Beth McCann 

Entry page and update

Christmas 2013  

This year seems to have passed particularly quickly - a sign undoubtedly of a very busy year. It would still be a comfort if we could slow time just a little. Thankfully however there have been some very positive aspects with regards to Madeleine. The Metropolitan police review becoming an investigation and more recently, the reopening of the case in Portugal. We are incredibly relieved and buoyed by these developments and continue to hope for further collaboration in the near future with the possibility of a JIT (joint investigation team) between Portugal and the UK to enhance the search for our dear daughter.  

 

Once again we would like to thank all our supporters for their commitment to Madeleine and their ongoing support of our efforts. Please spare a thought and prayer for all families similar to ours who will be unable to share this Christmas with a special loved one. 

 

We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy and peaceful 2014.

 

Kate xx

Day 2192: 02 May 2013 Thursday, Madeleine Beth McCann

MAY 2013

Day 2192:  02 May 2013 Thursday, Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Updates Thursday, 2 May, 2013

 

SIX YEARS. I don't think we are the only ones who find this hard to believe.  

 

It's difficult to know what to write as each year passes, still without news of Madeleine. In many ways, nothing's changed. We still worry about her, we miss her as much as we ever did, we remain as determined as ever to find her and to know what has happened. 

 

The one thing that has progressed significantly over the last year is the work of the Metropolitan Police. We remain greatly encouraged by their work and the many things they have managed to uncover so far. Their commitment and increasing determination parallels our own and brings us great comfort and reassurance. We continue to hope and pray that the Met working with the Portuguese Authorities will lead to a significant breakthrough. We need to find Madeleine and bring some peace to our family.  

 

In the early days, Gerry remarked that we weren't sure whether this journey would be a sprint or a marathon. It's been much, much more than a marathon (I'm qualified to say that now!) We really appreciate how lucky we have been to be surrounded by such fabulous support for so long. Thank you to all our supporters for being there alongside us and for never forgetting about Madeleine. We're here for the long haul, for as long as it takes. Thank you for being there too.

 

 

And finally, a special 'thank you' to everybody who sponsored me to run the London marathon recently. Your kind donations, which have now amounted to more than £21,000 (fantastic!) will allow the charity, Missing People, to continue the search for many missing children and vulnerable adults, as well as provide essential support for their families. Your compassion and generosity will help to ease the suffering of many people. Thank you. 

Kate

Day 2059: 21 December 2012 Friday, Madeleine Beth McCann

DECEMBER 2012

 

Day 2059: 21 December 2012 Friday, Madeleine Beth McCann
 

UPDATE: DECEMBER 2012

 

As we approach the end of another year, we’d like to thank everyone again for their amazing support.

It is both heart-warming and reassuring to know that after all this time Madeleine still remains in so many people’s hearts and minds.

 

This solidarity and commitment gives us great hope. Thank you.

 

The Metropolitan Police Review of all the material in the inquiry has been underway for over eighteen months.

 

We have been really impressed and greatly encouraged by the work which has been done and its findings to date which are revealing there are definitely many stones yet to turn. We continue to wait and hope that the Portuguese authorities will agree to reopen the case so that the many lines of enquiry can be investigated. As Madeleine’s parents, we won’t be able to rest until we know that all that can be feasibly done to find her, and the person who took her, has been done.

 

 

In the meantime, we will continue to do all that we can to aid the search for our daughter and assist the Review process.  

 

This year, Madeleine’s Fund has paid for: 

 

1. A 24 hour, 7 day a week telephone line to receive and capture information from around the world which may assist the investigation 

 

2. A small investigation team, including a Portuguese speaker to help with the above and with campaign activities. 

 

 

Since March 2012 independent ‘physical’ investigation of lines of enquiry by our team has been put on hold whilst the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Review progresses. This has been to avoid duplication (and thereby unnecessary expenditure) and to prevent the risk of compromising any work, albeit unintentionally, carried out by the MPS. The private investigation team employed by the Fund continue to cooperate and work with the Metropolitan Police as and when necessary.

 

 

3. Part-time administrative support to aid the investigation and campaign to find Madeleine (campaign coordinator and media liaison) 

 

4. The awareness-raising campaign to ensure that Madeleine is not forgotten and to encourage the general public to remain vigilant. This has included the running of the Find Madeleine website.

 

 

5. Assistance from a specialist Portuguese communications agency to ensure that our message is communicated as widely and accurately as possible in Portugal, where support and help to find Madeleine is especially needed.

 

We are very aware that without public help it will be virtually impossible to find Madeleine. It would have been incredibly difficult for us to have maintained a search for her this long without such support, including donations to the Fund. Due to the sales of my book, ‘Madeleine’, the financial position of the Fund has significantly improved from a year and a half ago so we would like to reiterate our gratitude to everybody who bought the book. This has helped the search in more ways than one. Whilst fund expenditure has decreased over the past six months (due to a reduction in investigation spending as outlined in point 2) the Directors feel it is important that the fund maintains reasonable reserves so that the search for Madeleine can be resumed quickly should the MPS review not lead to a reopening of the case in Portugal. We desperately hope of course that the official investigation to find Madeleine will be reopened – and soon – as we still believe this is probably our best chance of finding our little girl.

 

 

Despite becoming stronger in ourselves and being able to create as special a Christmas as possible for our children, this time of year will never be as it should without Madeleine. Whilst Gerry and I think it constantly, Sean and Amelie now vocalise it, especially when doing something really nice like putting up the decorations….”If only Madeleine was here too…”

 

 

• If you know what has happened to Madeleine, or where she might be now, please, please do the right thing: Find the compassion and courage and let us know. Thank you.  

 

This past weekend we sat and opened the many, many Christmas cards which have been sent to us, at what is now our sixth Christmas without Madeleine. The majority were from people we have never met. It was once again a very humbling yet totally uplifting experience. We are deeply touched by the thoughtfulness and compassion which we continue to experience and for the love and hope which shine through for Madeleine. Thank you so much. It means such a lot - and helps us immensely. 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of our supporters. We wish you a festive period full of laughter, warmth and friendship – and hope for a special 2013. 

Kate

Day 1967: 20 September 2012 Thursday, Madeleine Beth McCann

Day 1967: 20 September 2012 Thursday, Madeleine Beth McCann 

 

Updates

20 September, 2012

Thank you to everybody who has supported our summer campaign again. By displaying the new poster, car sticker or luggage tag of Madeleine, awareness of her plight is maintained, as is our appeal to the general public to keep looking for her.

 

We are constantly thinking of new ways to improve our search for Madeleine: we don’t know what it will be, or what it will take to bring us that vital call. It may even turn out to be a simple case of ‘the right place at the right time’ which is why we need to persevere in our efforts and to keep prompting people.

 

The Metropolitan Police are continuing with the investigative review and we are really encouraged by their work. We continue to hope that the case will be re-opened in Portugal in the near future so that the investigation to find our daughter can be resumed.

 

The nationwide campaign that I’ve been involved in, as part of my ambassadorial role for the charity ‘Missing People’, is now in its tenth week. This campaign has been possible thanks to the generous help of the Outdoor Media Centre and its members in partnership with the team at Missing People. Images of missing children and adults have been displayed on huge billboards in many cities throughout the UK, appealing to the general public for help. Already many vulnerable have been found since the campaign started which is obviously fantastic news. Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative and responded to these appeals. Your help is invaluable. (More updates in due course)

 

We continue to feel humbled but at the same time buoyed by the amount of support we still receive from so many people. It helps us enormously and undoubtedly helps our search for Madeleine too. Thank you. 

Kate

Day 1872: 17 June 2012 Sunday. Madeleine Beth McCann, Find Madeleine Team

 

JUNE 2012

Day 1872: 17 June 2012 Sunday. Madeleine Beth McCann  

 

Find Madeleine Team

 

Investigations Line +44 845 838 4699

 

Since the Metropolitan Police began their review of Madeleine’s case in May 2011, thankfully the demands on ourselves and our investigators have reduced. However we still have (and need!) a small team of very committed and experienced people working hard to help us find Madeleine and others available to step in and assist should the need arise.

 

 

The 24-hour ‘hotline’ for people to call with information is still functioning on 0845 838 4699 for people who would prefer to contact us directly.

 

 

 

 Along with a campaign coordinator and translators/interpreters, the team has several individuals with invaluable marketing, advertising and I.T. skills who help with the general campaign to find Madeleine.

 

 Of course probably the biggest and most valuable resource we have in our search for Madeleine is the eyes, ears and minds of the general public. Thank you to everyone who has, and continues to help us with our efforts to find her. Please keep going!

Day 1827: 03 May 2012 Thursday. Madeleine Beth McCann

MAY 2012

Day 1827: 03 May 2012 Thursday. Madeleine Beth McCann
 

Updates

Wednesday, 2 May, 2012  

It's hard to define succinctly how it feels to have reached five years without Madeleine. Impossible, heart-breaking, frightening, exasperating, incomprehensible. Sometimes it feels like forever and at other times, just like yesterday. 

 

What is certain though is that since the Metropolitan Police review was commenced last May, the chances of finding Madeleine and discovering what happened are now significantly greater. Additionally, albeit less importantly, our lives and those of our family have been much more bearable over the past year, simply by knowing those stones are finally being turned.  

 

We hope that the investigation will be reopened in Portugal soon, as this will give us the best possible chance of finding Madeleine and the person who committed this crime - of solving the case. The term 'mystery' (commonly used by the media) is not applicable until all possible avenues have been explored. They haven't been, and can't be until the case is reopened. 

 

The age-progression image of Madeleine released last week is an important tool in the search for Madeleine. We believe this image bears a strong resemblance to what Madeleine will look like now. Please help us by distributing this image as far and wide as you can. Someone might just recognise her.

 

Abducted children have been found many years following their disappearance.  

We cannot give up. We won't give up. Please keep looking for Madeleine. 

And if you know something, please do the right thing:

CONTACT: OPERATION GRANGE on 0207 321 9251 (0044 207 321 9251 from outside the UK) or Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk

 

OR CRIMESTOPPERS in confidence on 0800 555111; www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

 

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us, comforted us, battled with us, cried and laughed with us over the past five years. We couldn't have made it this far on our own. Your support has been amazing, invaluable and very, very humbling. Thank you.

 

And now.... the search goes on!

 

Kate and Gerry

Day 1819: 25/04/2012 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

APRIL 2012

 Day 1819: 25/04/2012 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Entry Page

 

This is a new age-progression image of Madeleine, commissioned by the Metropolitan Police. It is a guide as to what Madeleine may look like now, aged 9. 

 

If you see a young girl who looks like this, PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Your local police force immediately, AND Operation Grange 

 on 0800 0906 1011 (in the UK free call)  

+44(0)202 158 0126 (non-UK free call)  

 or 

 

Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk   

OR Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111

 

Thank you. 

 

If you know where Madeleine is now or who was involved in her abduction, or if you were in Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine's abduction (3rd May 2007) and have not spoken to anyone in the police, please contact Operation Grange or Crimestoppers using the contact details above.

 

 It's never too late to do the right thing!   

Campaign Page 

HAVE YOU SEEN ME?

This is a new age-progression image of Madeleine, commissioned by the Metropolitan Police. It is a guide as to what Madeleine may look like now, aged 9. 

 

If you see a young girl who looks like this, PLEASE CONTACT:  

Your local police force immediately, AND Operation Grange

 

 on 0800 0906 1011 (in the UK free call)  

+44(0)202 158 0126 (non-UK free call)  

 or   

Operation.Grange@met.pnn.police.uk  

OR Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111  

Thank you. 

 

If you know where Madeleine is now or who was involved in her abduction, or if you were in Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine's abduction (3rd May 2007) and have not spoken to anyone in the police, please contact Operation Grange or Crimestoppers using the contact details above.

Day 1693: 21/12/2011 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

DECEMBER 2011

Day 1693: 21/12/2011 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Updates
Do you hold the missing piece of the puzzle?

 

It's Christmas - again. A time of mixed emotions for our family and many others in similar positions around the world. A time to hold together.

 

Thank you to all our supporters for your help throughout the year and for remaining united with us in our longing and determination to find Madeleine.

 

The year has ended on a positive note. Our search for Madeleine and the Metropolitan Police review of the case are progressing well. In addition, this December saw a landmark event for the protection of, and support for, missing children and their families left behind. The Government's Missing Children and Adults' Strategy aims to reduce the number of people who go missing; to protect the missing whilst they are away and to give families access to support, similar to victims of crime. The strategy follows 12 months of campaigning by individuals and organisations like the charity Missing People.

 

Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign and influenced this significant development.

 

This Christmas, please keep Madeleine and all missing loved ones and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

 

 

The support you give enables us to move into 2012 with renewed energy and continued hope. 

 

Kate and Gerry 

 

Day 1638: 27/10/2011 Thursday. Madeleine Beth McCann

Day 1638: 27/10/2011 Thursday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Updates Thursday, 27 October, 2011  

 

My grandparents always used to say that the years pass more quickly the older you get. It certainly feels that way.

 

I still dream of being able to stop time. Our only alternative however is to continue doing as much as we can to the best of our ability to enhance the search for Madeleine. So that is what we'll do. 

 

Thank you to everyone who has bought and read my book. Not only is this helping to fund our investigation and campaign, it will also improve and maintain awareness of Madeleine and our need to find her. It seems obvious that the more people who are informed worldwide, the more eyes and ears Madeleine will have assisting the search for her. We are really grateful for your support.

 

 

We also appreciate the general public's help in achieving a review of Madeleine's case. It is a big relief to us that our government finally agreed for a review to take place. We are grateful to them and to the Metropolitan Police Service for undertaking this fundamental and highly valuable procedure which has been underway now for several months. Although it will be a lengthy and difficult process, it is definitely a major step forward for Madeleine. 

 

I would also like to thank everyone who has written to us or sent their support in some way over the past six months. We have once again been touched by the incredible kindness and commitment shown to us and Madeleine, and bolstered by the continuing encouragement and positivity.   

Kate