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 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

Day 1293: 16/11/2010 Tuesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

Day 1293: 16/11/2010 Tuesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Updates Monday, 15th November, 2010  

 (Date appeared on line 16/11/2010)

 

There are several different reasons as to why I finally came to the decision with my husband Gerry to write and publish a book. This decision has not been an easy one. Many factors needed to be given thorough and careful consideration, not least the impact of such a book on the lives of our three children.  My reason for writing is simple; to give an account of the truth.

 

Publishing this book has been a very difficult decision and is one that we have taken after much deliberation and with a very heavy heart. However, in the last few months with the depletion of Madeleine's Fund, it is a decision that has virtually been taken out of our hands.

 

Every penny we raise through its sales will be spent on our search for Madeleine. Nothing is more important to us than finding our little girl.

 

We are hopeful that this book may help the investigation to find Madeleine in other ways too.  Our hope is that it may prompt those who have relevant information (knowingly or not) to come forward and share it with our team.  Somebody holds that 'key piece of the jigsaw'.

 

Bill Scott-Kerr, Publisher at Transworld, bought the book from the Christopher Little Literary Agency for publication in Spring 2011.  All royalties will be donated directly to Madeleine's Fund ? Leaving No Stone Unturned Limited.

 

Bill said: 'It is an enormous privilege to be publishing this book. We are so pleased to be joining Kate and Gerry McCann in the Find Madeleine campaign."

 

The McCanns' Literary Agents, Christopher Little and Neil Blair, said: "We are honoured to be part of this emotive project and to support the McCanns in their search for Madeleine."

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Kate

Day 1280: 03/11/2010 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

NOVEMBER 2010

 

Day 1280: 03/11/2010 Wednesday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Updates Wednesday, 3rd November, 2010 

It is exactly three and a half years since our daughter Madeleine was so cruelly taken from us. Three and a half years without her seeing her brother, her sister, her Mummy, her Daddy or her best friends.  

 

We are still searching for her. Our small team continues to review all available information, even though we STILL don't have access to ALL of the information that the UK and Portuguese authorities have. Our team has interviewed hundreds of witnesses, received over 1000 calls, dealt with over 15,000 emails and maintained a computerised database of all information they have received. Despite the difficulties resulting from lack of official assistance, they 'follow up' all new leads to try and get fresh information into the investigation.

 

It is incredible to think that for the last two years and three months NO police force has proactively been doing anything to help us find Madeleine. Crucially, there has been NO formal review of the material held by the police authorities - which is routine practice in most countries, and especially when a key piece of the 'jigsaw' may have been overlooked.

We have tried in vain to get the authorities to play their part but our requests have seemingly fallen on deaf ears. It is simply not acceptable that they have, to all intents and purposes, given up on Madeleine. We need the authorities to do more.

 

However we know we are not alone. We have the tremendous support of family, friends and of course you the public. A lot of this support comes in the form of people saying to us 'if there's anything we can do, just let us know or 'I'd like to help but I don't know how'. To these people, and indeed yourself, my plea is simple:

 

We need your support to continue to lobby the British and Portuguese Governments to undertake a joint or independent review of Madeleine's case.

 

 

How can you do this' Simply visit: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/madeleinemccann_case_review/ today and sign the petition to call on the UK and Portuguese authorities to conduct an independent and transparent review of all information in relation to the disappearance of Madeleine. And in turn, please spread the word and encourage as many others to do the same. Together we can, and will pull all of the loose ends of Madeleine's case together and find her.  

Thank you. 

 

 

Looking for our daughter is not without significant cost. 

Another way you can show your support is by continuing to help us fund the search for Madeleine.

 

To carry on searching for Madeleine and to ensure that the process has continued in a meaningful and proactive way, we have been able to utilise the generous donations paid in to Madeleine's Fund by the general public, libel damages paid to ourselves and our friends and money raised through a variety of fund-raising efforts. The fund has allowed;

 

• Our investigation team of ex-police officers to operate and conduct enquiries in the UK, Portugal and further afield. 

• A Portuguese assistant/translator.  

• A 24 hour telephone line with translators to receive information from the public

 

• Media liaison in Portugal and the UK to ensure that we convey the simple factual messages: there is absolutely no evidence that Madeleine has been physically harmed; we must keep looking for her and those who took her.  

• Awareness campaigns in Portugal, Spain and further afield.

 

• Website hosting and development and social network site campaigns to raise awareness through the internet 

• A part-time campaign coordinator 

 

If Madeleine's Fund remains as it is, with the current rate of expenditure, it will run out in Spring 2011. This would essentially mean that any kind of proactive search for Madeleine would cease. So again we need your help. If you can,

 

please consider donating to Madeleine's fund.

·         £1 pays for the multi-lingual call centre availability for 1 hour

 

·         £2 per month pays for 12 travel packs that are distributed to holidaymakers going all over the world

·         £10 pays for 1000 posters that are translated and distributed across the world.

 

·         £25 pays for the access to a 24 hour multi-lingual telephone service for 1 day

 

·         £50 pays for the running costs of investigation office (and staff) for 2 hours

 

·         £420 pays for 10,000 multi-lingual prayer cards for Madeleine, with photograph and contact details 

 

Someone knows what has happened to Madeleine. We simply need to reach that person. We need to obtain that key piece of information, that 'missing piece of the jigsaw'. One call may be all we need to find Madeleine and who took her.

 

Our little girl is now seven years old; innocent, vulnerable and waiting to be found. Please, please sign the petition and help us to find her. 

 

On behalf of my family, thank you. 

Gerry

Day 1220: 04/09/2010 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann. FUND PAGE RESIGNATIONS UPDATED

SEPTEMBER 2010


Day 1220: 04/09/2010 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

FUND PAGE RESIGNATIONS UPDATED

Fund updates Douglas Skehan resignation 24/08/ 2010

 John McCann Resignation 23/07/2010

 ------------

 

(6) Who are the directors of Madeleine's Fund?

 

There are nine directors of the Fund. They are:

 

?                     Peter Hubner; a retired consultant;

 

?                     Brian Kennedy, a retired head teacher;

 

?                     Edward Smethurst - A Commercial lawyer;

 

?                     Jon Corner - Director of a media company;

 

?                     Michael Linett- retired accountant

 

?                     Kate McCann General Practitioner

 

?                     Gerry McCann Consultant Cardiologist

 

(7) What is the money being spent on?

 

The majority of the fund money has been and continues to be spent on investigative work to help find Madeleine. Additionally money continues to be spent on the wider 'Awareness Campaign' ‘reminding people that Madeleine is still missing and to remain vigilant. None of the directors have taken any money from the fund as remuneration.

 

Anyone who wishes further information with regards to the financial details of Madeleine's Fund and its professional advisors, please refer to the accounts filed at Companies House. Crown Way Maindy Cardiff CF14 3UZ

 

Day 1161: 07/07/2010 Wednesday to Day 1219: 03/09/2010 Friday No Update

Day 1161: 07/07/2010 Wednesday to Day 1219: 03/09/2010 Friday

No Update

[Website Entry page reorganised ] 

 

Have you seen these people? 

If you have, please contact our investigation team at:

 

 +44 845 838 4699

 

 

Day 1038: 06/03/2010 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann. Statement March 5th 2010

MARCH 2010

 

Day 1038: 06/03/2010 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Statement March 5th 2010

 

Events this week have yet again been incomprehensible and particularly upsetting.

 

On Tuesday, the Public Prosecutor in Portugal released a large number of documents (relating to the investigation to find our daughter Madeleine) to the British Media, following their request for access. Disclosing such information publicly greatly jeopardises the search for Madeleine and puts witnesses and innocent members of the general public at risk (as well as causing them great anxiety). Release and publication of information in this manner also potentially compromises future investigations. It is difficult to see how anyone benefits from this week's actions.

 

 

 

It is imperative that the Authorities take responsibility for sensitive and confidential information. We, together with the general public, need assurances that this will not be allowed to happen again. Equally, we need absolute assurances that all credible information and leads will be investigated.

 

 

 

We also urge each individual working for the media to consider their own personal responsibility - to put commercial interests aside occasionally and to bear in mind the potential consequences of their actions, especially when people's lives and well-being are at risk.

 

 

 

Our own investigators have acted professionally and with complete integrity. We are eager to encourage anybody who has any information which may relate to Madeleine's abduction to contact our investigation team directly by phone (0845 838 4699 or 800 814 028), by email (http://www.investigation@findmadeleine.com/) or via the P.O box address given on the website. Information may be given anonymously via each route. 

 

We are incredibly grateful to all those who continue to support us in our search for Madeleine. During weeks such as these, it is invaluable to know that we are not facing this difficult journey alone

 

Day 961: 19/12/2009 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann: Christmas Update

Day 961: 19/12/2009 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann  

 Christmas Update: December 18th 2009

 

 It is heartbreaking for our family to accept the likelihood of spending a third Christmas without Madeleine. Her absence is even more tangible at this time of year. It is difficult also to believe that another year has passed by. 

 

It has however been an incredibly busy year with so much hard work going into the investigation and campaign to find Madeleine. This fact alone is positive in many ways and probably explains why the last twelve months appear to have flown by! There is however also a feeling of great disappointment when the one thing that we want so badly still eludes us. 

 

Some people (thankfully in the minority) may have their own reasons and agendas for wanting to discontinue the search for Madeleine, and for others it may be easier or more ‘convenient' to give up. For us, there is no option, no alternative. We long for our ‘baby', our daughter, our sister, our granddaughter, our friend, our dear sweet Madeleine to be home. This drive and perseverance to find her is not wishful thinking; it is reinforced by facts and evidence. The facts and evidence say: Madeleine is still missing and there is a very real likelihood that she is alive. Hence the search to find her must continue. 

 

Whilst it has been left for us as Madeleine's parents to find our daughter, there is no doubt that our chances of finding her are much greater with the eyes, ears, hearts and minds of the general public assisting us. 

 

We would like to thank everyone who continues to support and help us. Thank you also for all the Christmas cards, kind messages, flowers and gifts, as well as the many masses and prayers offered for Madeleine. This wonderful support, together with the commitment of so many people to finding Madeleine is quite incredible and invaluable. 

 

We can assure you that we will never stop looking for Madeleine and our resolve will not weaken, no matter what challenges are put in our way. We are prepared to pursue all avenues if it is felt to be of benefit to Madeleine. We continue to hope and pray that the coming year will be a happy and successful one.  

 

Merry Christmas to all of Madeleine's supporters and our best wishes for a very good and peaceful 2010.

Day 921: 09/11/2009 Monday. Madeleine Beth McCann

NOVEMBER 2009

Day 921: 09/11/2009 Monday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

UPDATE: [Date Gerry used November 8th 2009] 

Earlier this week, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre (CEOP) launched a special message, an appeal, to the person who knows or strongly suspects who was involved in Madeleine's abduction. The aim of this initiative was (and still is) to prick the conscience of that person who knows and prompt them to come forward with that key piece of information which could lead to Madeleine coming home. The more people we can reach worldwide with this message, the greater the chance of us reaching that person who knows. And the more times this message reaches that person, the greater the chance of them doing the right thing and passing on the information that they have been keeping secret. With this in mind, we would like to thank everyone around the world, individuals and organisations, who have helped us by watching this special message on-line and forwarding it on to their friends, business contacts and network communities. We are once again overwhelmed and uplifted by the amazing commitment and kindness shown by the general public in our efforts to find Madeleine. The message can still be viewed, downloaded and forwarded in 7 different languages from www.ceop.police.uk We would be really grateful for your continued help. Together, we can reach that person who knows.  

 

If you are that person, remember that it is never too late to do the right thing. This will never go away until we have found Madeleine. We love her too much. Please do the right thing by giving that information to your local police. Alternatively, please call the 'Find Madeleine' investigation team on +44 (0)845 838 4699 or email the team at investigation@findmadeleine.com.One email or one phone-call ? and this nightmare could be over for everyone.

Day 872: 21/09/2009 Monday. Madeleine Beth McCann

Day 872: 21/09/2009 Monday. Madeleine Beth McCann  

[Date Kate used September 13th 2009] 

At the start of August this year, our investigators appealed to the general public for more information following a credible account by a witness. This related to a lady acting suspiciously in Barcelona on the 7th May 2007 in the early hours of the morning. Our investigators received approximately 1000 emails and phone calls following this appeal and have been busy working through this information. Thank you to everybody who passed information on to our team.We would like to encourage anyone who may still have potentially relevant information to come forward. It is important to note that although the witness thought that the woman in question may have had an Australian accent, it ispossible that this may not be the case.

 

At the end of August, we learnt of the discovery of JayceeLee Dugard, 28 years after she was abducted at the age of 11. There was nothing new here for Gerry and me, as we have been told of many cases of missing children who have been found years after they were taken from their families. It is important though, as it emphasises yet again how vital it is to never give up on missing children and how criminal and unjust to assume they are no longer alive. A missing child cannot be expected to find their way home, we need to find them. It is tragic and heartbreaking to think of the life which has been stolen from Jaycee and her family. We hope and pray that they will be able now to find the happiness and peace that they all deserve.

 

Last week, a judge in Portugal decided to pass an injunction against Goncalo Amaral's book and documentary in which he insists that Madeleine is dead and implies that Gerry and I were somehow involved in her disappearance. Nothing can be more soul-destroying for a parent than for somebody to 'write off' your missing child (for whatever reason) without any evidence to support such a theory. The anguish and torment that we have suffered as a result of Mr. Amaral's unfounded claims and actions has been immense, compounding the pain and sadness we feel every day without Madeleine in our lives. Madeleine deserves so much more than treatment like this. She is still missing and we will never give upon her.

 

It is important to remember that the good people far outweigh the bad, even though those with cruel intentions can bring you down. Every day we still receive a small bundle of supportive letters to our home and kind messages via the website, as well as positive words from passers-by. After a ‘not so good' day, it is this kindness and solidarity that lifts us up and keeps us going. To those people, we are so grateful and we will never forget the great benefit of simple human kindness.Thank you from all our family.

Day 826: 06/08/2009 Thursday. Madeleine McCann - New Information Appeal over “Australian" Woman

AUGUST 2009


Day 826: 06/08/2009 Thursday. Madeleine Beth McCann

 

Updates: Madeleine McCann - New Information Appeal over “Australian" Woman

Link

A witness has come forward to give the investigators currently searching for Madeleine McCann new information about a suspicious incident that took place in Barcelona in the early hours of May 7th 2007 - just over 72 hours after Madeleine was abducted whilst on holiday in Praia da Luz in Portugal.  

 

The 41-year-old British witness was attending a party with a group of other men in the area of the Port Olimpic Marina in Barcelona. It is a busy location that is popular with both tourists and local people. The group had been visiting a number of bars and restaurants in the marina area on the evening of the May 6th 2007 and into the early hours of May 7th 2007.  

 

At around 2.00am on May 7th, the witness became aware of a well-dressed woman, who he describes as appearing agitated. She was seen in the area of the El Rey De La Gamba restaurant-bar for some ten minutes, walking up and down. 

 

 

The witness got up and walked towards the woman and had a short conversation with her. This conversation was potentially significant to the investigation. However, for strict operational reasons, the investigators will not be divulging any details of what was said to the witness. 

 

It is as a result of this conversation that the investigators now want to trace the woman, who they believe to be possibly Australian.  

mf...

 

Following the conversation the woman sat down in another nearby bar. A further person from the same party group also saw her there. At this bar the woman had a heated discussion with someone in what seemed to be fluent Spanish.

The woman was last seen walking away in the direction of a local hospital and the more distant ferry and cruise ship terminals.

 

The woman is described by the principal witness as follows:  

White  

Aged 30 to 35 years  

Slim build  

Short brown hair  

Approximately 5"2 tall  

Wearing expensive looking blue jeans and a jersey top, possibly pastel colour 

Her build equated to a size 10 dress size.

 

The witness described her as "a bit of a Victoria Beckham look-a-like". She spoke English with what the witness has described as "possibly an Australian" accent.  The investigators now hope the international media, in particular Australian and Spanish broadcasters, will help to distribute the attached e-fit of the woman, which has been prepared by a police artist, as widely as possible.

 

The British witness does not wish to be identified publicly. The investigators have already conducted some preliminary inquiries in the vicinity of the Port Olimpic

 

Marina and are continuing to liaise with relevant police forces where necessary.

 

Anyone who may know the woman should contact the Madeleine McCann investigation team on +44 845 838 4699 or via the Madeleine McCann investigation email address: investigation@findmadeleine.com

Day 779: 20/06/2009 Saturday. Raymond Hewlett

Day 779: 20/06/2009 Saturday. Madeleine Beth McCann  

General Update - 19th June 2009

There has been much reported in the media recently about Raymond Hewlett. As far as our investigators are aware, there is no evidence to link him to Madeleine ?he is a person of interest to the inquiry rather than a suspect. Following the sensationalised reporting in certain sections of the media with regards to Mr Hewlett, our investigators wished to interview him in order to eliminate him from the inquiry. Despite our investigators requests via Mr Hewlett's lawyer, their attempts to conduct an interview were unsuccessful as we were simply unwilling to pay. It is very disappointing that certain elements of the media felt it appropriate to pay a convicted paedophile (whether that be directly or indirectly) in order to obtain a ?story?, whilst those people who are qualified to carry out such enquiries and who are genuinely looking for Madeleine were unable to do so.

 

On a more positive note, we have recently been planning a summer campaign in the hope that holiday-makers, travel companies and transport agencies will help us again in our search for Madeleine. So far, things are looking promising and we will soon have "travel packs" available via the website for anyone willing to help in this way. We greatly appreciate the continued help and support we are receiving from the general public. It's incredibly reassuring and uplifting that over two years down the line so many people still want to help. Without doubt, it will increase our chance of finding Madeleine.

On Tuesday evening, we took part in the Rothley & Soar Valley Lions 10K road race here in the village. 

Twenty of us (family and friends) wore our Madeleine t-shirts and that together with cheers of encouragement from spectators, made it all worthwhile. It was a really enjoyable evening and a fantastically well-supported event. We're already talking about next years run! Hopefully we wont be needing to wear our t-shirts for that one

Day 778: 19/06/2009 Friday. Why do we continue

JUNE 2009

Day 778: 19/06/2009 Friday. Madeleine Beth McCann

KATE & GERRY MESSAGE  

It is now more than two years since Madeleine was taken from us - more than two years since we saw and held our beautiful daughter, since Sean and Amelie played with their big sister, since we were a happy family of five. Without doubt, two years seems a huge proportion of your life when you're six years old, but in reality it is just a tiny fraction of the life which lies ahead of you. It is important for us to keep looking forward.

 

Whilst the fact that Madeleine is still missing remains our greatest anxiety, it is important to remember that the person who took Madeleine remains free. Other children could be at risk from this person too if we do not continue with our investigation, or if the people who know or suspect something remain silent. There is no law enforcement agency actively looking for Madeleine or the person who took her. As such, Madeleine and possibly other children are dependent on good and moral 'everyday' people to help them. We kindly ask you to share this responsibility with us.

 

Why do we continue'

-There is absolutely nothing to suggest that Madeleine has been harmed.

-Madeleine is still missing and someone needs to be looking for her.

-She is very young and vulnerable and needs our help.

-We love her dearly and miss her beyond words.

 

 

We must continue and never give up on Madeleine.

 

Thank you so much for your continued help, support and information. You have helped to sustain us as a family and continue to increase our chances of finding Madeleine