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 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 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 1095: 02/05/2010 Sunday. Madeleine Beth McCann: Website Update: Third Anniversary

MAY 2010

 

Day 1095: 02/05/2010 Sunday. Madeleine Beth McCann 

 

Website Update: Third Anniversary

Thank you to everyone who has stayed with us during the past three years ' hoping, praying and supporting our efforts to find Madeleine and bring her home. We know we couldn't have achieved as much as we have without this help.

 

Milestones and anniversaries are never easy, but the work to find our little Madeleine will continue regardless, with the same determination and tenacity as it always has and for as long as it takes.

 

It might be three years without Madeleine but it certainly doesn't feel like we're at the end of the line - far from it.

 

Madeleine. Still missing, still missed, still looking!

Day 749: 21/05/2009 Thursday. Have you seen these men' Do you know who they might be' Suspect Pictures

Day 749: 21/05/2009 Thursday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

 Link 01    Link 02

Have you seen these men' Do you know who they might be' Suspect Pictures

These 2 pictures above 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

 

 

The pictures on the Left show 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 749 : 21/05/2009 General Update May 2009 

May is obviously a difficult month for us now, with the anniversary of Madeleine's abduction as well as Madeleine's birthday. Despite this, it has also been a positive month in several ways, with many people once again offering their support and showing great kindness.

 

 

On May 3rd, there were special church services for Madeleine - here in Rothley, in Liverpool and in Praia da Luz. Each of these services was very well attended and described by those there as being very beautiful. In addition many other masses and prayers were offered for Madeleine on this day throughout the UK and beyond. It is a great comfort for us as a family to know that Madeleine remains so strongly in people's thoughts and prayers.

 

On May 8th, Bishop Ellis Primary School ('Madeleine's school') held an 'Auction of Promises'. This was a well supported and really fun night, with over '6000 being raised for Madeleine's Fund. Well done and many thanks to everyone who helped make this evening a success! During the same weekend, many runners taking part in a 10K race in Liverpool wore Madeleine 'Don't Give Up On Me' T-shirts and again a substantial amount of money was raised for the fund. Thank you! Keep going everyone - it all helps.

 

 

Following on from the Cutting Edge documentary and reconstruction -'Madeleine was here' - shown initially in the UK on May 7th, we have had many calls and emails coming in to our investigative team. We are really pleased with the response and currently all pieces of information are being prioritised and followed up as necessary. Again, thank you to everyone who has had the courage and compassion to come forward and pass on their information. It may only take one call or one email to unravel this 'puzzle', end the nightmare and hopefully bring our Madeleine home.

 

 

On Tuesday May 12th it was Madeleine's birthday. She is now 6 years old. We had a small birthday party with close family and a few of Madeleine's friends. She deserves to be celebrated. Hopefully next year she'll be here to blow out her birthday cake candles herself. Madeleine's grandma and grandad, and great aunt and uncle spent a few days at the shrine in Fatima over the period of Madeleine's birthday and the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. They described it as a very moving experience and a good and comforting place to be at such an emotional time.

 

 

Thank you again to everyone for continuing to support us during these difficult times- for all the 'well-wisher' cards, letters and flowers, as well as the birthday cards and gifts sent for Madeleine. Despite the sadness of our situation, we are very aware that we are incredibly lucky to have such kind and invaluable support. Thank you.

Day 734: 06/05/2009 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

Day 734: 06/05/2009 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann 

 

Updates: On Sunday 3rd May 2009

Everton and Sunderland Football Clubs kindly helped us -once again - to remind everyone about Madeleine and the fact that she is still missing

 

The football community as a whole has helped us hugely over the last two years and we are so grateful for this show of support and solidarity across all clubs and colours. It is incredibly uplifting to have so many supporters with all the passion and pride they display, standing by Madeleine and willing her home. Thank you!

Day 730: 02/05/2009 Saturday to Day 733: 05/05/2009 Tuesday. No Update

Day 730: 02/05/2009 Saturday to Day 733: 05/05/2009 Tuesday
No Update

(Two years 03 May 2009 since Madeleine went missing.)  

Day 729: 01/05/2009 Friday. Madeleine Beth McCann

MAY 2009

Day 729: 01/05/2009 Friday. Madeleine Beth McCann 

 

It is two long years since Madeleine was taken. It is two years since we were a happy family of five. The pain and anxiety does not lessen, but our determination to find our beautiful daughter remains steadfast.

 

We are no longer looking for a 4 year old little girl ' but a 6-year-old one. This is crucial. We are hoping that the new age-progressed image of Madeleine aged 6, produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, will help people to see what Madeleine may look like today.

 

On May 7th at 9pm (UK time), a televised 'reconstruction' of potentially significant and suspicious events from around the time that Madeleine was taken will be aired on Channel 4 in Britain. Much of this information has not been disclosed to the general public before and it is apparent that there are several highly important unanswered questions remaining. Just one of these answers could provide us with that vital piece of information that leads us to Madeleine. It is our hope that these reconstructed scenes will trigger somebody's memory and prompt them to come forward ' giving us the key piece of the jigsaw that we - and Madeleine especially -so desperately need.

 

Madeleine is still missing! She has the right to be back with her family. We have a responsibility to keep looking for her. We urge you ' please do not give up on Madeleine.
Finally, we would like to thank everybody for their continued help and support. We know that we are not alone in our efforts to find Madeleine, or in our desire to have Madeleine back home with us where she belongs. 

Thank you.

 

NEW DESIGN T-SHIRT AVAILABLE ON FIND MADELINE SITE

Day 690: 23/03/2009 Monday. Madeleine Beth McCann

MARCH 2009

Day 690: 23/03/2009 Monday. Madeleine Beth McCann 

March 23 2009 As the second anniversary of Madeleine's abduction approaches, there is much still to be done. We continue to remain focussed on our aim - to find Madeleine and bring her back home safely. As Madeleine's parents we cannot and will not ever stop doing all we can to find her

 

The search for Madeleine continues with the same strength and determination, and thankfully, there are many people who are continuing to help in a variety of ways. The reduction in media reporting does not signify a lack of effort - far from it! If anything, the search for Madeleine goes on with renewed vigour and great experience. We have quietly and persistently been working very hard - exploring all possible avenues in order to get that key piece of information. Someone somewhere knows where Madeleine is.

 

It is impossible for us to ignore the day to day heartache of missing Madeleine but there is however, a very important and positive fact that remains.... In spite of all the investigative work done, there is still absolutely nothing to suggest harm to Madeleine and therefore, a very real likelihood that Madeleine is alive and well. You only have to recall the cases of Elizabeth Smart, Shawn Hornbeck and Natascha Kampusch to appreciate that children can seem to disappear 'off the radar' for very long periods of time. The return of these children to their families not only gives us great hope but also starkly emphasises that perseverance is essential, and surely what every such child deserves.

 

It is vital that we never, ever give up on Madeleine.

 

Can you imagine a little girl or boy out there, hoping and waiting to be found but for people then to 'write them off', forget about them, just because there's been no 'news'' For that child never to be reunited with their family because everyone had given up on them' Just imagine.......................

 

And so, we will never, ever give up.We urge you to remember Madeleine as a real, living and findable little girl.Our most sincere thanks go everyone who is helping us in our efforts. You know why we must keep going.Please don't give up on Madeleine

 

Day 690 : 23/03/2009   Monday         

 

Press release PDF document

On the 3rd May 2007, 3 yr old Madeleine McCann was abducted from the  Ocean Club in Praia da Luz, since then, despite extensive enquiries Madeleine is still missing.

It is almost two years since Madeleine McCann disappeared and there is good reason to believe that she is still alive. Madeleine's family and friends will never give up hope.

 

At the time of Madeleine's disappearance the emphasis was placed more on international appeals and it has been recognised that the local Portuguese residents of Praia da Luz and the surrounding areas have never been properly asked about information they may have to give.

 

The purpose of the current campaign is to do just that; ask the local Portuguese residents for information to help to find Madeleine.

 

Experience shows that the crucial answers are in the immediate vicinity, someone in the area could almost certainly have the vital information that could help Madeleine's return to her family, or a combination of people all coming forward with a single piece of information could piece together vital clues which could solve the disappearance.

 

Experience also shows that people almost always confide in someone else. Someone in Praia da Luz may have been given information that should be passed on and now is the perfect opportunity to do just that, if  anyone has information of any kind, do the right thing and pass it on so that Madeleine McCann can go home.

 

The campaign is about finding Madeleine. Her family hope and believe that local residents can be a very real help. It goes without saying that they would forever be indebted to anyone who had that vital piece of information.

 

Over the next couple of weeks in the Lagos and Luz areas residents will see posters, billboards and advertisements, leaflets will be distributed in towns and local markets and there will also be a mailing sent to local, homes appealing for help.It should be stressed that any information given will be treated with the utmost confidence. Information can be given anonymously by telephone,  email, text and freepost.

Day 366: 03/05/2008 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann

Day 366: 03/05/2008   Saturday  

 

It is a year to the day since Madeleine was abducted. A heinous crime that had the potential to destroy the strongest of families. Without doubt it has been the longest year of our lives, yet it does not seem like a year since we last saw Madeleine. She is still a large part of Sean and Amelie's life and this gives some comfort to Kate and me.

 

The research we have done this year has encouraged us to believe that there is a very good chance Madeleine is alive. Ernie Allen, president of NCMEC for the last 25 years, has reiterated that and the fact there are a number of scenarios in which Madeleine could be alive and well. We just need to find her.

 

The documentary we made on an EU wide Amber alert and the last year was screened in the UK on Wednesday night, in Spain on Thursday and last night in Portugal. We have spent most of the last 3 days promoting our new hotline number +4 845 838 4699 (calls are charged at local rate) and our e-mail addresses for information: anonymous@findmadeleine.com and

investigation@findmadeleine.com .

We have always said we will leave no stone unturned in the search for Madeleine. To do that we need to know what has and has not been done- unfortunately we know very little about the investigation to date. This is why we are appealing to everyone who may have come forward previously to do so again. Every piece of information is important to us. We are also appealing to people who may not have come forward for whatever reason to do so. We are only interested in finding Madeleine and will guarantee confidentiality and anonymity if requested. We are also families asking with children to think if something similar may have happened to them. It is unlikely this is the first time that the abductor has struck.

 

Today we will be attending one of the many services to pray for Madeleine and other missing children. We would like to thank everyone, of all faiths, who has prayed for Madeleine over the last year. The Helping to find Madeleine group have also organised a 'lighting the way home for Madeleine' event where, they will release lanterns in Rothley around the time she went missing. Others will light a candle and we greatly appreciate the support and symbolic gestures.

Day 81 - 23/07/2007 Monday: Madeleine Beth McCann:

Day 81 - 23/07/2007 Monday: Madeleine Beth McCann

 

 

 

Very busy day and I was almost asleep by the time I got back to the hotel so apologies for not posting the blog earlier. We started off by spending the morning at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). We had a tour of the NCMEC led by President Ernie Allen who has been there for 23 years and there is little he does not about missing children.

 

The work done at NCMEC is extremely impressive. It coordinates information for all missing children and it was the center that pushed for the implementation of the early warning missing child (AMBER) alert throughout the USA. The center was also instrumental along with the founder, John Walsh, in getting the Adam Walsh bill passed on the 25th anniversary of the young boys murder.

 

NCMEC officials organised a meeting with the US attorney general Gonzales at the justice department. He was already aware of Madeleine’s disappearance and has made child protection a major concern for him. I explained in a little more detail regarding Madeleine’s case and the fact that she is still missing after 81 days. He was very supportive of the campaign to keep Madeleines profile high and of the work that we are doing with NCMEC and its International division (ICMEC).

 

We went back to NCMEC in the afternoon and I had detailed discussions with some of the experts there regarding Madeleines disappearance. We also had a board meeting with ICMEC regarding working together on other developments in raising the profile of missing children particularly using internet resources.

 

Finished the day off with an interview for Americas Most Wanted who have been following Madeleines abduction almost since the beginning. The programme is actually hosted by John Walsh and has massive viewing figures of around 12 million.