The candle stands at the Cross Green war memorial in the centre of Rothley.
The
family
had
originally
intended
to
release
100
lanterns
last
night as
part of
an
international
co-ordinated
event to
launch
1,000
glowing
beacons
into the
sky –
one for
every
day the
youngster
has been
missing.
However, strong winds meant it would have been unsafe.
Instead, the family handed out candles to all the well-wishers as they listened to the family's words in the chapel.
Brian
Kennedy
said:
"It's a
shame
that we
couldn't
light
the
lanterns,
but the
important
thing is
we
remember
what
they
symbolise.
The
flames
represent
light
and hope
and
never
giving
up."
Residents from Rothley and the surrounding villages attended the event to show their support for the family.
Hannah
Harvey,
14, from
Rothley,
said:
"It's
good to
remember
her and
it's
respectful
to the
family.
Tonight
will
help
people
remember
Maddy –
it's
important
to never
forget."
Frank Hull, 75, from Cropston, said: "The service was very beautiful. Tonight was about remembering a lovely girl and showing Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry that they have our support."
Jo
Willars,
47,
said: "I
live in
Rothley
so all
the news
about
Madeleine
is
literally
very
close to
home.
"The village will always do what it can to help Kate and Gerry."
Chris Wright, 44, from Rothley, said: "I'm Kate's hairdresser and she used to come in all the time with Madeleine – she was such a lovely little girl.
"The
events
in
Portugal
have
really
had an
effect
on the
village."
Simon Armitage's poem for Madeleine:
The Beacon
Dusk, doubt, the growing depth of an evening sky,
dark setting in as it did that night,
the forever vastness of outer space
reflecting the emptiness here inside,
shadowing, colouring, clouding the mind.
But somewhere out there there has to be life,
the distance only a matter of time,
a world like our own, its markings and shades
as uniquely formed as a daughter’s eye,
distinctly flecked, undeniably hers,
looking back this way through the miles and years
to a lantern cupping a golden blaze,
its candle alive with a fierce blonde flame
for the thousandth time, for as long as it takes
