Mrs McCann, 42, faced criticism because she appeared cold and did not break down. But she revealed how in her bleakest hours, she wanted to die to stop the pain. 

Suffering together: Kate and Gerry McCann during their interview yesterday

The former GP and her husband Gerry, 41, gave their most honest and moving
interview to the BBC World Service to mark the third anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance on Monday.
 

Madeleine was three when she vanished from her parents’ rented apartment in the
Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz as they ate at a nearby restaurant with friends.

There have been no confirmed sightings since. But the couple, who also have twins
Sean and Amelie, five, have not given up.
 

The McCanns, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have launched a ‘holiday pack’ of stickers
and posters showing Madeleine’s face. They hope holiday-makers will distribute them around the world to try to find Madeleine.

Longing for death:

GERRY: Really early on, there was a time when I was worried because Kate said she wanted to go into the ocean and keep swimming and swimming and swimming. That obviously caused great distress. The emotions are so raw early on.

KATE: I used to have thoughts like maybe we’ll get wiped out in the car on the motorway. So it would just happen, we’d all be gone and the pain would be away. But there’s always somebody left behind with that pain. We have got family who have been fantastic, friends who have been fantastic.

It was just so painful and it’s just so hard to describe, that heavy, suffocating feeling day in day out, that pain of missing Madeleine and anxiety for her.

There were times when I did want it to end. I wouldn’t have done anything, I have never thought of doing anything, but what I do know now for sure is that I don’t want that. Things have changed. I am desperate to be here with Sean and Amelie and to help find Madeleine.

What they believe has happened to Madeleine:

KATE: You just hope that it’s somebody who is looking after Madeleine. Who knows why they’ve taken her but I hope they’re looking after her and that she’s comfortable in the situation she’s in, that she is not at harm and that she’s getting love and happiness. That’s all I can hope for.
 

GERRY: Early on we couldn’t think of anything else but the worst case, where everything was negative, that she’d been taken, abused and killed and dumped, or maybe left seriously injured and dumped out in the freezing cold.

I can promise you we could think of almost no other scenario. Of course, that scenario is still possible… but there is no evidence of physical harm to Madeleine. As parents, we can’t accept she’s dead without absolute evidence of that.
 

KATE: In my heart, I feel she’s out there. I really do. And that, together with the feeling that I have of this not being over, of her still being there. The hardest thing, obviously, is how do we find her?

Sean and Amelie:

GERRY: Sean, in particular, talks about having an aeroplane and flying all over the world looking for ‘that man who’s taken Madeleine’ and when he gets him he’s going to rescue her and take his sword out.
 

KATE: At the moment they don’t show any signs of anger. A month or so ago, I went for a run and I suddenly started thinking about Sean and Amelie getting much older, they will understand more.

They’re going to feel the same kind of pain and loss and anger that we’ve felt over the last couple of years. I suddenly thought, ‘I don’t want them to feel that’.

I know how hard it has been for us, I don’t want them to have to go through that in addition to not having their sister with them.

Kate’s dreams:

I HAVE only had three dreams, all the same, they’re when I find her. It’s actually when I see her. They are actually incredibly painful.

The first one I was in Portugal and it was very tangible… I think I got rung by the nursery where she went to and they said ‘Madeleine’s here’. I went but then I was holding her and it felt like I was holding her and then I woke up and I was hysterical, actually, it was horrible.

Torture of not knowing: Mr McCann said he will not accept Madeleine is dead until he has proof

Why they left children:

Torture of not knowing: Mr McCann said he will not accept Madeleine is dead until he has proof
 

KATE: It just felt so safe, subconsciously, that was the restaurant for the apartments where we were staying. I think it took me 37 seconds to go back to the apartment.

The fact that I didn’t have to consciously think, ‘Is this right or is this wrong, is this safe or is it not?’, implies that I thought it was totally safe. I had a flashback recently of that, of me and Gerry just holding each other and saying ‘We’ve let her down, we’ve let her down’, just because we weren’t there. I would never in a million years have anticipated something like that.

GERRY: If anything, prior to this, I would have said Kate was overprotective. The fact that she was so comfortable, we were all comfortable… It wasn’t a debate, we just didn’t perceive risk at all.

Police investigation:

KATE: If this was a murder inquiry there’d be an active investigation because they’d want to find the perpetrator. But as it stands we have a perpetrator who’s still at
large and therefore puts – potentially puts – other children at risk, and we still have a missing child.

So why is there no active investigation? I’m angry and frustrated really, this is our daughter, she’s still missing and there’s no investigation to find her. It’s a farce.
 

GERRY: Officially for 18 months and longer, law enforcement are not proactively doing anything to find Madeleine, and who took her, and I just think that is fundamentally unacceptable… There have been individuals who, for whatever reason, have seemingly not wanted to find Madeleine. That’s how it appears to us… There are many people who’ve tried to derail what we’re doing along the way.
 

KATE: I also think there’ll be some people who would be greatly embarrassed if Madeleine was found and that scares me. That might affect their want, or not, for Madeleine to be found.

Belief in God:

GERRY: If anything, when this first happened it strengthened my faith. I felt that there was such support and I really felt that may have been God’s work, that something good was going to come out of this.

I’m struggling much more now, without a doubt. I think that for one child to have been the recipient of so many millions of prayers, you think, ‘Well I do have my doubt’. If those prayers were going to work, they should have worked a long time ago.
 

KATE: I don’t hate God… I just can’t understand why so much could be allowed to land on one family and go seemingly unchallenged. So I would be angry with God but then I would voice that, I would let it out.

Prayers for abductor:

KATE: I usually pray for them to see the error of their ways, to have compassion and courage to come forward… The pain and the fear that it’s caused Madeleine and the pain it’s caused to our family makes it incredibly difficult to sit here and say ‘Yes, I forgive him’. It would be important to know who’s taken Madeleine and why.
 

GERRY: Until we find Madeleine and who took her we don’t know what we will be asked to forgive.

Comments (87)

'God help the McCanns and all who, like them, have lost a child to the global trafficking gangs.

- M Morton, Melbourne, Australia, 1/5/2010

M Morton - do you know that Madeleine has gone to a global trafficking gang? How can you possibly be so sure? There was no evidence of any abduction, and for all we know it is still possible that Madeleine could have wandered off somewhere looking for her parents.

Kate said they were '37 seconds away', yet they could not see or hear their children. 3 years on it is still beyond me how anybody can enjoy an evening out whilst their three young children are alone.

- IW, UK, 1/5/2010 12:46

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I don't believe in a doctrinated GOD: no GOD would allow this to happen: no GOD would allow the horrendous cruelty that man inflicts on his own and other living beings.

No: there is no GOD.

- Heather, Swansea, 1/5/2010 12:36

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I hope against hope that Madeleine is either dead and at peace or being cared for by a loving - but misguided - person/family. The worst outcome would be is if she is being held by people who are harming her, whether it be physically, mentally or sexually.

I heard this interview and I am really sorry to say, but the McCanns are now in danger of alienating everyone who has either sympathised or helped them.

They seem to think that they have some divine right for their daughter's case still to be making headline news. They have been afforded unprecedented publicity and money in their search. No amount of blaming others can absolve them of their own dereliction of duty as parents.

We all know how this story unfolded, but it wasn't a lapse in judgment once - they left them alone every night to dine with friends. I would be looking closer to home to apportion blame for the fate of Madeleine.

- Marie, Surrey, 1/5/2010 12:16

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Your pain and loss will only become manageable when you accept your guilt at leaving your child alone. You made a tragic error which you will never escape, all you can now do is live for your two other children and try not to let the dark clouds crowd out the joy of your remaining family. Wherever your daughter is, may she be at peace.

- Craig, Leeds, UK, 1/5/2010 11:47

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My heart aches for Madeline and whatever has happened to her, but she is one of thousands of children missing today and sadly Gerry and Kate thing the world should stop Just for Them! and they should be first always, no one has ever had the coverage and support given to them.

It is time to put the Twins first!

- John B, Manchester UK, 1/5/2010 11:47

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For all the negative comments on here for the McCanns, do not judge or be critical until you lose a child or go through smiliar unending anguish. Guaranteed, if you were in the same position, you would do anything and everything to get her back, no matter how long it took.

- Jenny, Glasgow, UK, 1/5/2010 11:37

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Gerry McCann did not break down during the interview, i have heard the interview. In fact they both sounded very bitter and at times aggressive.
- Bradford, London, 1/5/2010 0:

Being very upset can come over as aggressive if you don't understand where people are coming from.

I fail to understand the people who say they're sick of Kate and Gerry. If they'd said and done nothing after Madeline disappeared you'd still be ahving a go at them. They can't win whatever they do.

I would think people don't want to be reminded that evil happens - and that's why they don't like seeing Kate and Gerry.

Someone somewhere knows what happened and I wish they would come forward.

- JW, Spalding,England, 1/5/2010 11:37

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Why do they refuse to ask the Portuguese police to reopen the case as is their right?
Is this too simple a question?
Why do you not publish it?

- Tony, Essex, 1/5/2010 11:34

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Gerry's telling porkies when he says, "It wasn't a debate, we just didn't perceive risk at all." They left the door unlocked, in case there was a fire! Clearly they did perceive risk - if not the right one. They just came to the conclusion, night after night, that their fun was more important than their children's safety.

Even now, they are still trying to portray the decision to leave their children alone as reasonable in the circumstances. If they can't face up to the enormity of their own mistakes, why should anyone take them seriously when they criticise others?

- Laura, Herts, UK, 1/5/2010 11:32

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They have done so many interviews and travelling about that it cannot be good for their other children who will end up viewing them as strangers. The public have, as the do with all things not directly effecting them, had over load regarding this missing child.
I switch off when I see this pair.

- Charlie, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1/5/2010 11:29

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shame on you,and all those who slag off the McCanns!!!. They have every right to fight to find their daughter.... and they won't go away until they do. They ARE putting up and NOT SHUTTING UP. Good for them.

By condemning them, your apathy is condemning an innocent child. She could be found one day. Just think of Natscha Kampusch, Elizabeth Fritzl and Eliabeth Smart

- Anita, birmingham, 1/5/2010 11:26

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We can't blame God for the actions we take in life. We, make the choices and then we have to live with the consequences. The tragedy is, whatever suffering the McCann's have had to go through, will be nothing compared to that of a frightened little four year old girl. She and all those missing children will always be in our prayers.

- Anne, North Yorkshire, 1/5/2010 11:23

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I cant believe some of the comments on here, for gods sake, this couple have lost their elder daughter. This has to be every parents worst nightmare, I truly truly hope this little girl is found & this couple get some peace. True, they should never ever of left their kids alone but they are having to live with this decision everyday for the rest of their lives.
I pray that Madelaine is found safe & being cared for in a loving home.

- jan, Manchester, 1/5/2010 11:19

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One day, just maybe, we will all know the end of this tragic event. The ultimate victim off course is Madeleine herself, is she alive living a different life some where or is she dead by who evers hand and circumstances we know not.
The Parents did not and unfortunately in many folks eyes have not endeared themselves to the public whose support they ask for. Why on earth did two intelligent people think it safe to leave such young children unattended has been asked many times and it is a harsh but valid comment that they are lucky not to be prosecuted.
The authorities may or may not be as efficient as the parents might wish but I do not believe for one minute that such people do not want to find their child and again it does their cause no good to alienate those who they depend upon. Too often the parents seem to strike out, even threaten any one who questions their version or explanation of events.
Having said all that wouldn't it be lovely if Madeleine could or is ever found.

- Howard, Warwickshire, UK, 1/5/2010 11:17

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I feel for the little girl being lost in that way but both parents are partly responsible for her disappearance. They left her and the other kids for a meal, I would not dream of leaving mine anywhere when i take her on holiday and she is 12 !.

- BRADERS, swindon, 1/5/2010 11:14

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Everyone hopes and prays that Madeleine is found safe and well.....the alternative doesn't bear thinking about.

- Sue G, expat - Perth, Australia, 1/5/2010 11:13

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I am 66 years old and have children and grandchildren. I realy feel for you. The pain is unbearable and should not be there. I realy wish I could help in some way. I never pass a child without looking carefully and go nuts when I find a child un-accompanyed in a shop. This is a regular finding. If I were to come across a child that I even slightly suspected of being an abductee, I would invite the people in charge of the junior, the chance to prove it in front of fellow passers by or the police. A caring parent would not mind. Best regards you 2.

- bill, nottinghamshire, 1/5/2010 11:04

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Its about time they admit if they had not left there children alone this would not have happened, get on with your lives and look after your other children.

- Stephen, Southport England, 1/5/2010 10:58

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Is guess the knowledge of leaving Maddie and her siblings alone in their hotel room in a foreign country, must add to their suffering. I'm sure the truth will come out oneday. Somebody out there knows the truth and it is weighing heavily on their mind as the years go by.

- margie, UK, 1/5/2010 10:50

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No doubt the usual vitriolic comments from the McCann's fellow Brits will shortly ensue.

- R, CBD, Melbourne, Australia, 1/5/2010 10:49

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They simply have to move on and give their other two children, Sean and Amelie McCann their undivided attention.

At the moment it seems the pair are simply pushed into the background whilst this crusade over Madeleine McCann continues unabated.

The McCanns cannot expect the police to dedicate staff 24/7 to their case. It should be like all other missing persons kept open until there is a result.

They should be grateful that they have the twins as they might have lost all 3 because of them being left alone.

- Pip Waller, North Yorkshire, 1/5/2010 10:44

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sadly leaving tiny babies alone at night, no matter where, or which ever country is never right, nor is it right to assume it ever could be alright, or safe, by anyone.... to go out ,instead of being their for their many needs which at so tender age, they are very vulnerable to accidents, of any kind and need someone,at least one person at nights especially.... to always be with them.So poor Madeleine was unlucky enough to have been left alone,may be to fall prey of some tragic mishap,or accident ,it is very sad,that she has not been found. alive... those guilty know reall what has happened to Madeleine.... none of us know who were not their to see ....what has become of poor little Madeleine.....but someone knows, the whole truth over who is really guilty,.They should, reponsibly take the blame for the crimes concerning Madeleine's disappearnace, for the sake of all who have been wrongly suspected and accused. So that the truely guilty right ones, are brought to justice only

- fair enough, lytham, 1/5/2010 10:42

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Hang in there! A break will come. Walk by faith, not by sight. The long, dark night will end.

- Timothy D. Naegele, Malibu, California, USA, 1/5/2010 10:39

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I know there'll be lots of comments, criticising the McCanns for leaving their children alone that evening. I, along with thousands of other parents would never have left them, however, it's so easy to sit and judge. Imagine the hell they must have gone through during the last 3 years, waking up every morning and not knowing what has happened to Madeleine. They have to live with the knowledge that if they hadn't left her, she'd still be with them now. I just hope and pray that, eventually, there will be answers and closure.

- Caroline, UK, 1/5/2010 10:36

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Well it was "37 seconds" too far, Kate.

I really feel for the twins. God only knows what this is doing to their little heads.

- Tina, UK, 1/5/2010 10:30

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Gerry people have sayed to me "You should let Jesus into your life" I have replied to this," Will he help me with my housework, cure my sons Autism bring back my family and friends who have passed away, cure my dear friends Cancer, No" I lost faith in religion years ago, it is the practical things in life that we need someone to cure, no one up above can do that or stop any suffering, Yes lots of people find comfort in the prayers and people they meet in Church etc but its everyday people who should and could have the powere to help you and Kate and your family, thinking of you all and not a day when I dont think of Madeline, I have a girl the same age.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

- Jo, London, 1/5/2010 10:24

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The poor poor McCanns. Let's all get behind them for once and not put critical comments please. They have suffered so much for their mistake and so has little Madeleine. PLEASE EVERYONE CONTINUE TO BE VIGILANT and hope that one day (soon) this has a happy ending.

- Kathy, York, England, 1/5/2010 10:24

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Kate and Jerry i can't imagine what you are going through, you are in our thoughts and prayers. we will keeping looking for your Maddie. if love were enough she would be with you now.

- shirley, wisbech, 1/5/2010 10:17

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this pair just don't get it. she's gone, and that's the end of it. it's their fault for leaving her. when my son was small, we either had a family member babysit, took him with us, or most usually, didn't go out. they took a chance and are now reaping the guilt of this. we have heard this story through the dm for over 3 years now. it isn't news any more.

- gary, crafthole, cornwall, 1/5/2010 10:16

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I do feel sorry for this couple. However, I don't thnk they are being at all realistic - especially where Kate says 'I hope they're looking after her and that she's comfortable in the situation she's in', when that is extremely unlikely to be the case. And they still don't seem to think they did anything wrong by leaving her.

- Mike Reed, Bournemouth, 1/5/2010 10:16

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I feel for them, I really do, but isn't it about time to continue their efforts in private instead of making a media circus every so often to keep the story 'fresh' in our minds? All those cowards who were 100% sure of a sighting but not having the courage to confirm it and challenge makes me sick as well.
Most parents don't get a fraction of a percent of the coverage Madeleine's parents have had, I believe they need to face up to the fact that at this stage only a miracle will see her found if she is still alive.

- Andrew, Planet politician, 1/5/2010 10:14

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My heart breaks for this family you can see the pain in their eyes I pray that they can keep strong and please god they will find their beautiful madeleine.

- eileen, lancs, 1/5/2010 10:05

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I find it almost inconceivable that a supposedly intelligent person could make the statement "It wasn't a debate, we just didn't perceive risk at all" in connection with leaving 3 children under the age of 4 alone in a strange apartment. I can immediately think of several risks, none of which involve an abductor, which could lead to the children coming to serious harm. Perhaps I am just naturally more risk-aware than Gerry McCann. Without wanting to sound overprotective, it has proved fateful for Madeleine that her parents were not more mindful of risk.

- Kim, Aberdeen, UK, 1/5/2010 10:05

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The twins may well be angry when they are old enough to understand what happened. Especially that they were left unattended in an unlocked apartment. They may even blame their parents, both for Madeleine going missing, and the effect it had on their childhood.

- Conor, UK, 1/5/2010 9:59

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this is very sad, but they need to get on living their lives like a normal family for sean and amelies sake and one day a miracle may happen and all their questions answered.

- woda, london, 1/5/2010 9:56

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If ever there was a couple in denial...

- Alonso, Wirral, Merseyside, 1/5/2010 9:54

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I really hope they find her, from the bottom of my heart. I can't imagine anything worse for a parent to go through. I also hope that their other 2 children grow up having as normal a life as possible and aren't too traumatized by seeing their parents so upset. Best of luck x

- Katie, Reading, 1/5/2010 9:52

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Dear God but the tangible suffering of these poor people breaks my heart to watch. I sincerely hope they find their daughter safe and well.

- Rose, Ireland, 1/5/2010 9:51

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If it were my child, I too would never be able to stop looking and hoping.....and I don't think for a moment anyone else would either in this situation. I hope that they are able to find out the truth about their daughter and with that closure.

- ulrika, aberdeenshire, 1/5/2010 9:49

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It's disappointing that they still seek to justify leaving the children alone - they'll never 'move on' until they accept that they are responsible for failing to arrange a babysitter, and that had they done so the child wouldn't have been taken.

Having said that, they'll be punishing themselves for that mistake until the day they die.

- A. Wright-Burke, London Bridge, 1/5/2010 9:48

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The thing I remember the most is the unspeakable vileness of some of the comments made here in the Mail about the McCanns. The real degeneracy of the British sub-class is regularly revealed here, but that was one of the worst episodes.

- eric campbell, harrogate, 1/5/2010 9:44

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Why does she keep talking to the twins about Madeleine, they were babies when she was taken, and she says they will be angry as they get older. Yes they will Kate and who will it be directed at. But they need your attetnion now. Kate and Gerry are there own worsed enemies in this situation they come across as cold alloof and apart from everyone else somehow, and they have no common sense and they blame everyone else but themselves. Why parade that sweet little golden haired girly round a holiday resort then leave her in an unlocked apartment at evening that s like bait, weirdos are everywhere in a place like that, we dont leave our babies and children alone "in case anything happens to them" and what happened to Madeleine is what parents fear, someone taking there child and thats what happened.

No, sorry we cannot spend the time looking for Madeleine and no you dont know she is still alive you hope

- ann, doncaster, 1/5/2010 9:35

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So now it's the Catholic church's fault. The McCann's need to fact up to reality.

- Steve Goodwin, Leeds, UK, 1/5/2010 9:35

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I know you hold on to any hope, but Madeleine has gone - where all the thousands of other children who disappear around the world every year have gone. Millions of pounds have been spent so far on a wild goose chase. Is it really possible to ask the police to give up even more time and spend more countless thousands of pounds when there are so many other deserving cases that have more chance of being brought to a successful conclusion?

- diana, Geneva, 1/5/2010 9:24

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Why is no-one in authority looking for this little girl!? It's a discrace! Until we have proof that she is not alive then we must presume she is and keep searching.

The police system is failing this family.

Always praying. x

- Elly B, Wales, 1/5/2010 9:17

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well,well,well, the funds must be running low !

- george irvine, falkirk, 1/5/2010 9:15

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They shouldn't have left the kids alone. Full stop. end of story

- tony ex pat, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 1/5/2010 9:11

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I am sick and tired of the sight of these two thoughtless people; they were ultimately responsible for their daughter's disappearance... that fact cannot and will never be changed. It is time the media dropped the coverage of their self pitying stories. By all means remind people a little girl remains missing, by all means try and have her found (if people truly believe she could still be alive), but please drop the indulgence of listening to sob stories by her parents,who left her alone in that room with an even younger pair of children.

- J Taylor, Surrey, 1/5/2010 9:09

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They just do not get it, do they?

- edward, nottingham, 1/5/2010 9:06

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Kate asks "why is there no investigation"?

I ask Kate Why there was no co-operation from you or Gerry. You remained silent at the police interview and refused as did your mates, to participate in a reconstruction.

Was that too, ludicrous and unhelpful?

- Marion Stone, Perth WA, 1/5/2010 9:01

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I feel for them I really do but I wish that they would just admit they made a mistake by leaving her alone.

- Simon, Cambs, 1/5/2010 9:01

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I feel terribly sorry for Madeline that her parents were that irresponsible that they put her in the position of being able to be taken.
People will say that they are good people who made a mistake, and they probably are but they made it, no one else made it and they now have to live with those consequences the same as anyone who makes a mistake and their child is injured or killed.
I've seen them interviewed time and again and I find it hard to feel sorry for them for some reason, and I'm sure I'll got shot down for that comment!. They need to stop suing people and look after the 2 children they have left.
Madeline, I feel hugely sorry for.

- Julie, Scotland, 1/5/2010 8:53

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Good Luck to you both from the bottom of my heart. I hope you get the happy ending you want on this, and if not at least find out what happened.
To all the people who knock them, it's not your place. Try and do something positive to help rather than sit in judgement which is the easy option.
Stop rolling out the overworn phrases, please!

- Annoyed, UK, 1/5/2010 8:51

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Why does Kate McCann seem to think that someone took Madeleine to take care of her as their own? Is she delusional at what happens to most missing or kidnapped children? No, I guess she can't bring herself to think that she and her husband were responsible for the suffering and possible death of their child, and they were, undeniably.

Let us hope Maddie rests in peace, and the McCanns get on with caring and looking after the other siblings better than they did before.

None of us will forget this tragedy, a child is no more due to circumstances we will probably never know..........so we haven't forgotten Maddie............. but some of us do wish to forget the McCanns!!!

- Chris, Spain, 1/5/2010 8:47

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How anyone in their situation can belive in some superior being is beyond comprehwnsion. What sort of 'superior being' would do this to a child, to a family?
Please don't give me the 'moving in mysterious ways' claptrap as a response, we all know that's BS.
Simply unbelievable - on all counts.

- Athiest, 'oop north, 1/5/2010 8:47

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My heart goes out to Mr & Mrs McCann so much as I have a slight feeling of it must be for them, as my own child was baby snatched and was missing for 3 days but returned safe and sound.
Every where I go whether here or abroad, I continually look for Maddy, it has become second nature to me and I am sure I am not alone and that there are many others who do exactly the same, so if it is of any consolation be assured that we have not given up and will not give up until she is found. Even if her hair has been changed the mark in her eye can never alter and it is this that will find her one day.
Your strength, your courage and your love for one another will sustain you in this ordeal, your wavering faith is understandable, how can one continue to believe or not question God in this matter.
My thoughts and love are with you all.

- Mandy., Lugano, Switzerland, 1/5/2010 8:38

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My heart goes out to Gerry and Kate. As a mother I just can't imagine what pain they are still going through.

I have never forgotten Madeleine but over the months if I wanted to know the latest news I found littleinterest, the case is no longer interesting to the media. The case has literally gone cold.

I also understand why the parents feel that it would embarrass certain individuals if Maddy was actually found, that Portugese policeman for one. He was out of his depth in this investigation, he got fixated in the wrong direction and wants to justify his inept actions. Don't the Portugese Police authority have a 'cold case' section or do they just shrug their shoulders and put the file on a dusty shelf? What about the Leicestershire Police, are they inhibited because the abduction happened abroad? Many questions.

It is now difficult to identify Maddy, the updated picture of her was to neat and tidy really. How about an update with messy hair for instance.

- Barbara, Horsham, 1/5/2010 8:35

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Kate: "The fact that I didn't have to consciously think, 'Is this right or is this wrong, is this safe or is it not?' " Gerry: " It wasn't a debate, we just didn't perceive risk at all".

I can't believe you didn't consciously ask yourself if it was safe to leave your three little kiddies! As a mother of three young children I spend my life evaluating the safety of everything they do! In fact I can't believe you publicly admit that.

- Sonja, Spain, 1/5/2010 8:07

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My heart goes out to this family. Someone please come forward and tell them where Madeleine is.

- Cathy, England, 1/5/2010 8:06

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My heart still goes out to them,and always will until Madeline is found,from a proud parent also.

- Bernie, Midlothian, 1/5/2010 8:04

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I was waiting for the 'breakdown' shots. They have been a long time coming. I am sorry but Madelaine is one of FAR TOO MANY abducted children and for the constant attention to one set of parents, who still do not seem to have acknowledged their part in the child going missing is grossly unfair and disrepectful to the agonising lives of other families in the same situation

The McCanns have had all the publicity, money and attention and I think that Madeline is like every other child in the same situation. Now he questions his faith, that faith gives very sound advice on how to parent and protect your child - I suspect his timing is off

- amazonmothe, hastings, 1/5/2010 8:02

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I've no sympathy whatsoever. They abandoned their children so they could go with friends. Any less well off people doing the same, on being found out would have had their remaining offspring removed by Social Services but not these two!

Never the less I still hope Madeleine will be found alive.

- Douglas Flapalot, Somewhereshire, 1/5/2010 7:59

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Initially, my sympathies here always were with Madeleine. Now, I find I am feeling more and more sorry for her brother and sister. As they grow older they will surely hear all the details of this sorry story, and as they go through their school life they will start to be recognised by other children. I am sure some of the other kids will say 'my mummy and daddy dont leave me alone, why did yours?' I hope the McCanns have a phenomenally good answer prepared when the twins question why they were left alone. As for struggling with their faith, well I am not surprised. Something like this would shake anybody's faith to the core. At the end of the day though, it is the parents responsibility to take care of their children, not God's.

- Jenny, Hampshire, 1/5/2010 7:48

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<<<The fact that I didn't have to consciously think, 'Is this right or is this wrong, is this safe or is it not?', implies that I thought it was totally safe.>>>

No sorry love, it implies that you were irresponsible and neglectful parents.

- Alex, Birmingham ENGLAND, 1/5/2010 7:48

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My prayers continue to be with this family and with Madeline.
Stay strong all of you.

- christian, north east, 1/5/2010 7:44

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i feel for the girl, but parents are at fault, lesson never leave your children unattended. and to blame others later, shameful.

- w.gould, spain, 1/5/2010 7:41

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I'm sorry to be blunt but the McCanns have to accept full responsibility for what happened. If they are serious about finding out what happened to Maddie one of them should give up their job and look for her 24/7. Even if this means selling their house, living in a smaller house, being poor and away from each other so be it. Had it been my child this is what I would have done. I would set out to be a pain in the butt to the Police until I got answers, even if it meant getting thrown into jail!

- PoshFenTiger, East Anglia, 1/5/2010 7:37

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Gerry says of his faith; "I'm struggling much more now, without a doubt".

Struggling? If I had any (which I don't) I'd have long since given it up. No doubt there'll soon be God apologists commenting here soon saying 'God moves in mysterious ways' - which translates to; ' Yes, it looks like there is no God really, but I can't face up to it so I'll fool myself and hopefully you too'. Absence of evidence is evidence of absence! And there's no evidence that any 'benign being' is anywhere near the poor McCanns.

- Ken Clark, Wallasey UK, 1/5/2010 7:21

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Whilst I can understand the torment that they are going through, the truth is that as parents we all have a duty of care to our children. They were very lucky that only one child was snatched and not three. At the end of the day they let Madeleine down and this is the huge price they have to pay for that. It's easy to blame everyone else but they had responsibilities to their children. 'Only 37 seconds' means nothing - they could neither hear or see their children from where they were enjoying themselves at the time Madeleine was taken.

- Jayne, Swansea, 1/5/2010 7:21

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I am so, so sorry for your constant pain. Nothing would give the greatest pleasure than to see that beautiful child again, healthy and well. We are all here with you, make no mistake.

- Sam, Krabi, Thailand, 1/5/2010 7:17

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Have we not had enough of this? The sympathy vote is out. Shaking is catholic faith???? This man needs shaking for abandoning his children wile enjoying himself. This story is over, even if I hope the search for the child never ends.

- Simon T., Bucks and Spain, 1/5/2010 7:05

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I can't believe it will be 3 years since Maddy went missing,I can't imagine the heartache and the pain that her parents are going through at not knowing what happen to her.
Please anyone out there who knows what happen to this lovely girl she needs to be back home with her family.
Zara Ross

- Zara Ross, UK, 1/5/2010 6:22

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I am sick and tired of the McCanns. Please don't give them any more space in the Mail.

- Alastair, Salem, USA, 1/5/2010 4:48

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One can only imagine the horrors this poor couple are going through.

- Paul Hunt, London, 1/5/2010 3:50

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These two disgust me.

- kaz, auckland, nz, 1/5/2010 3:32

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i really dont know what to think of these two i really dont, who on in their right mind would leave the kids in an apartment, in a foreign country and so young ???

you just dont do that

- danny, edinburgh uk, 1/5/2010 3:19

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As the mother of a newborn, I can only begin to imagine what this family is going through. Regardless of their naive behavior, no one deserves this. May they get closure one way or another soon.

- Anjie, NJ, USA, 1/5/2010 3:07

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I hope that Madeleine is returned safely to Kate and Gerry and that they and their whole family can heal. And I hope that the gloating bullies who think that it's OK to keep blaming them for her disappearance can get a little compassion. The issue goes very deep, and involves a great deal of corruption in high places. God help the McCanns and all who, like them, have lost a child to the global trafficking gangs.

- M Morton, Melbourne, Australia, 1/5/2010 2:50

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I still do not understand why after the public raised milions to help find Madeleine the world's best private investigator's were not hired immediately.

- Ann, Cheltenham, 1/5/2010 2:33

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Just exactly what are this couple saying,Madelaine is not at harm, then the pain and fear its caused Madelaine, surely the fact they say she was abducted means she came to harm. Did she come to harm in Portugal or didn't she.
God Bless this innocent child. But her parents should put up or shut up. I am sick to death of the both of them.

- Maureen, Liverpool, 1/5/2010 2:07

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I have every sympathy for the litle girl

- Dave, Cockermouth England, 1/5/2010 1:47

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My heart goes to the little girl, I do hope she is loved and well taken care of.

- Levisjean, London, 1/5/2010 1:20

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As much as this is hard for you, you have two other beautiful children you need to concentrate on and give them everything you would have given Madeline! I wish you all the luck!

- Mary, DC, 1/5/2010 1:18

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Heartbreaking, I really feel sorry for them. They have to live every day with the consequences of a lapse in vigilance.

- SarahN, London, UK, 1/5/2010 1:13

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This poor couple have suffered so much and before the 'perfect parent's' start ranting about leaving the children, there but for the grace of God go many of you.

There are few parents who haven;t done something which in hindsight put there child at risk - it makes them human not bad parents. No one can punish them any more than they punish themselves, be grateful you don't have to walk a mile in their shoes.

Wherever Madeleine is, let's hope her fate is a happy one, surely not dead and other alternatives too dreadful to contemplate.

- gill, manchester, 1/5/2010 0:59

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Oh go away!

I am sick of seeing these two in the press.

- Simon, Barcelona, Spain, 1/5/2010 0:58

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Gerry McCann did not break down during the interview, i have heard the interview. In fact they both sounded very bitter and at times aggressive.

- Bradford, London, 1/5/2010 0:21

NEWS MAY 2010