The McCanns interviewed by Fiona Bruce, BBC News, 01 May 2014

'Please Help Luz' plea as Madeleine "circus" descends on village again, 31 March 2014

'Please Help Luz' plea as Madeleine "circus" descends on village again Portugal Resident By NATASHA DONN on March 31, 2014 'Please Help Luz' plea as Madeleine "circus" descends on village again As British television networks once again descend on Praia da Luz in the run-up to the seventh anniversary since Madeleine McCann went missing, a local resident has come out fighting. "It's time to turn things round," she told us. "Every year it is the same ... British journalists arrive and dredge up more nonsense about Luz. We are meant to be overrun with child molesters, burglars, homosexuals, Eastern European child-snatchers ... Whatever next? Will it be the Taliban? "They are back again now and this time they have interviewed a homeless person and a 'prophet'," the long-term resident told us on Saturday. "They have paid for these interviews. Now, they are apparently looking for a well-known gay man. "These are the stories the British newspapers are looking for! They are not interested in the views of the real people of Luz - all of whom are fed up to the back teeth with the village being shown in such a bad light." The "homeless person" - a "perfectly pleasant man, but never sober" - is not a representational figure of local residents, explained the woman, and the "prophet" is someone who wears a turban and "walks around with a pole with a light on the top of it". "Neither can be considered typical Luz residents, but nor are they in any way threats to the community," she added. The expat woman, who asked not to be named as she has "no wish to be a hero", said: "It is time Luz had a voice." "Last year, when the news people were asking questions as they do every year, I went up to the interviewer and said I would like to say a word or two. "I said I wanted to know why they weren't interviewing the McCanns for gross negligence that had led to a fatal result. He just dropped me because they don't want to hear anything like that. They only want to report about people they can label as "weirdos". "Quite honestly, I feel it is time Luz turned round and sued the McCanns for slander. "I would like to stand as a voice for Luz. Who will want to come here after all the negative publicity? The British newspapers paint the village as one full of terrible people. This is grotesquely unfair. It has got to stop!" As is so often the case, concern over speaking out has left this voice of Luz for now unnamed. She told us "everyone feels the same" - and behind the scenes few would disagree. A high-ranking staff member at Luz Ocean Club told the Resident earlier this year: "Luz has taken such a battering over the last seven years. It really is time to do something for this community - help it rally round." But, like the anonymous "voice of Luz", the man asked not to be identified. Meantime, the Ocean Club is one of the prime movers behind a community triathlon event planned later this month precisely to promote the picturesque village "before the holiday season gets underway".

Maddie McCann's parents: "We won't apply for death certificate and still hold out hope 7 years on", 25 April 2014

Maddie McCann's parents: "We won't apply for death certificate and still hold out hope 7 years on" Daily Mirror By Tracey Kandohla | Apr 25, 2014 22:31 Kate and Gerry McCann are so encouraged by Scotland Yard's fresh leads that they will not seek for a Certificate of Presumed Death Still hopeful: Kate and Gerry McCann Madeleine McCann's parents have chosen not to apply for a death certificate – despite being entitled to one on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance next weekend. Kate and Gerry McCann are so encouraged by Scotland Yard's fresh leads into her disappearance that they will not seek for a Certificate of Presumed Death which applies after that period. And they are so convinced Madeleine is still alive they are instead stepping up their efforts to find their daughter. Her gran Susan Healy told the Mirror yesterday: "She could be found." And Kate herself has previously said: "Madeleine is still alive until someone proves otherwise." A person can legally be declared dead after seven years under British law despite the absence of direct proof of the victim’s death. But friends of the couple, from Rothley, Leics, said that was the "last thing on their minds" as they prepare for next Saturday's grim milestone. Their hopes of finding Madeleine, who would now be 10, have been boosted in recent months by the progress of a British police probe. Scotland Yard detectives are believed to be poised for a breakthrough after their own three-year review that sparked a fresh investigation. New evidence has come to light of a sex attack on a British girl of 10 in Praia da Luz two years before Madeleine disappeared there. It is one of five new Algarve assaults uncovered by senior British detectives. Madeleine vanished from her parents' holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort on May 03, 2007, just nine days short of her fourth birthday. Despite no confirmed sightings of the youngster since that fateful night, Kate and Gerry cling to the hope she will be found alive. Former GP Kate has said: "There is nothing to suggest Madeleine is not alive. We have to keep looking for her. "We still have real hope. We all know cases of missing children, presumed dead and found alive years, sometimes decades, later." Kate has told how she had been "buoyed" by the efforts of Met Police and "relieved" the case had been reopened in Portugal. Family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said last night: "Kate and Gerry are fully aware of the declaration of death. They still believe Madeleine is alive and are not applying for a certificate presuming she is dead. That is the last thing on their minds." The Presumption of Death Act, due to be reformed in October following a campaign, is based on a seven-year rule. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "If after seven years a person is still missing and there has been no sight or contact with them, they are presumed dead. "The family can then apply for a ­Certificate of Presumed Death from a court which allows them to help resolve that person's affairs or simply to help give them some closure. "This can be done without a body being found. No-one can prepare for the heartache and confusion which arises when a loved one disappears with no trace."

Maddie: The little girl 7 years on, 27 April 2014

Maddie: The little girl 7 years on Daily Star Sunday (paper edition) Daily Star Sunday, front page, 27 April 2014 --------------------- Page 5: Maddie: 'She's not a little girl anymore' Mum Kate to relive heartache seven years on EXCLUSIVE By MIKE PARKER Sunday, April 27, 2014 THIS is how experts think missing Madeleine McCann may look now. Saturday marks seven years since the little girl vanished. And on Thursday her mum Kate will relive the torment in a television interview with Lorraine Kelly. Ahead of that an age progressed expert has produced an image of how a ten-year-old Madeleine my look. Jovey Mae Hayes, a forensic computer age progression expert, used the same techniques she has employed in numerous kidnapping and missing persons cases for police forces across America. She said: "Madeleine would be much taller than her parents remember and, because girls begin to mature before boys, she would appear to them to have put on a little weight and her shoulders would appear broader. "Her face would also be more filled out and it's interesting to note from original photos that she has her mother's eyes and her father's mouth. "Her lips would look fuller now than they did when she was little and, at almost 11, her eyebrows would have begun to look more pronounced." She said Madeleine's jawline would also be more defined and her nose would appear more elongated and a little wider. She added: "The whole world remembers a little girl about to turn four from those posters. "But she isn't a little girl any more, although even not-so-close friends and relatives would probably recognise her from the likenesses to her parents that are still extremely evident." Madeleine was just three when she vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. Scotland Yard believe she was abducted and last week gave details of a new "smelly, pot-bellied" suspect. On the ITV interview on Thursday Kate McCann will reveal fresh hope in the search for her daughter. But conscious of not wanting to spark a war between rival stations, ex-GP Kate, 45, will also be talking to the BBC, which recently screened a Maddie Crimewatch appeal. A source close to Kate said: "She just wants to speak from the heart to thank the public for their continued support over these seven difficult years and to tell viewers that she still has hope Madeleine can be found alive." It is not yet clear if heart specialist husband Gerry, 45, will join Kate. The couple, from Rothley, Leics, have been buoyed by "very significant" new information gathered by police. The couple's spokesman Clarence Mitchell said yesterday: "There is still a lot of information that still needs to be checked and Kate and Gerry are hoping that it leads to Madeleine being found."

Maddie: 'She's not a little girl anymore', 27 April 2014

Maddie: 'She's not a little girl anymore' Daily Star Sunday (paper edition, pg 5)

'Madeleine McCann is not a little girl any more': New image shows how she might look now, 27 April 2014

'Madeleine McCann is not a little girl any more': New image shows how she might look now Daily Star Sunday THIS is how experts think missing Madeleine McCann may look now. By Mike Parker / Published 27th April 2014   Saturday marks seven years since the little girl vanished. And on Thursday her mum Kate will relive the torment in a television interview with Lorraine Kelly. Ahead of that an age progression expert has produced an image of how a ten-year-old Madeleine may look. Jovey Mae Hayes, a forensic computer age progression expert, used the same techniques she has employed in numerous kidnapping and missing persons cases for police forces across America. She said: "Madeleine would be much taller than her parents remember and, because girls begin to physically mature before boys, she would appear to them to have put on a little weight and her shoulders would appear broader. "Her face would also be more filled out and it's interesting to note from original photos that she has her mother's eyes and father’s mouth. "Her lips would look fuller now than they did when she was little and, at almost 11, her eyebrows would have begun to look more pronounced."   She said Madeleine's jawline would also be more defined and her nose would appear more elongated and a little wider. She added: "The whole world remembers a little girl about to turn four from those posters. "But she isn't a little girl any more, although even not-so-close friends and relatives would ­probably recognise her from the likenesses to her parents that are still extremely evident." Madeleine was just three when she vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. Scotland Yard believe she was abducted and last week gave ­details of a new "smelly, pot- bellied" suspect. On the ITV interview on ­Thursday Kate McCann will ­reveal fresh hope in the search for her daughter. But conscious of not wanting to spark a war between rival ­stations, ex-GP Kate, 45, will also be talking to the BBC, which recently screened a Maddie Crimewatch appeal. A source close to Kate said: "She just wants to speak from the heart to thank the public for their continued support over these seven difficult years and to tell viewers that she still has hope Madeleine can be found alive." It is not yet clear if heart specialist husband Gerry, 45, will join Kate. The couple, from Rothley, Leics, have been buoyed by "very ­significant" new information gathered by police. The couple's spokesman Clarence Mitchell said yesterday: "There is a lot of information that still needs to be checked and Kate and Gerry are hoping that it leads to Madeleine being found."

English law declares Maddie as dead, 28 April 2014

English law declares Maddie as dead Correio da Manhã The little girl disappeared on the 3rd of May of 2007 in the Algarve Procedure stipulated after seven years of disappearance. Parents refuse to accept this. by Magali Pinto 28 de Abril 2014, 08h01 With thanks to Astro for translation "Madeleine is still alive until someone states otherwise." Kate McCann refuses to believe that her daughter is no longer alive just a few days before the seventh anniversary - on the 3rd of May - of the disappearance of the little girl, who was three years old in 2007, in Praia da Luz, Algarve. At that time, in her country the child may be declared as dead, according to what the British law stipulates for someone who has been missing for over seven years, even if the authorities don't find the body. The friends of the couple of English doctors say that Gerry and Kate are aware of the possible declaration of death of the little girl. "They believe that their daughter is alive and they don't agree with the death certificate. It's the last thing on their minds", Clarence Mitchell, the couple's spokesman, told the media. It is recalled that recently the British police, also based on information that they received from the Judiciária, has been appearing with new leads in the case. The investigators are now focused on the search for a sexual predator who attacked little girls in the Algarve - he produced at least ten victims - between 2004 and 2006. The attacks took place in houses that had been rented by British families. Maddie McCann disappeared when she was sleeping with her baby siblings in an Ocean Club apartment, in 2007. The British police, which has already published e-fits of potential suspects, bets everything on the sexual predator lead. As far as the presumed death certificate is concerned, it is signed at the court, but for now Maddie's parents refuse to accept that she is no longer alive: they want to see all the leads of abduction on the night of the 3rd of May of 2007 explored. In this interview to the British press, only Kate spoke. Gerry opted not to speak out. The couple says that they are pleased with the British police's advances.

Lorraine Kelly - Twitter, 30 April 2014

Lorraine Kelly Twitter   10:25 am - 30 Apr 2014 Tomorrow I'm talking to Kate and Gerry McCann - it's almost seven years since Madeleine went missing. 8.30am. @ITVlorraine

Lorraine: Coming up on Thursday's show, 30 April 2014

Coming up on Thursday's show ITV - Lorraine 17:20 - 30 Apr 2014 Find out what's coming up on Thursday's Lorraine... Kate and Gerry McCann It's seven years on Saturday Madeleine McCann was snatched from her family's holiday apartment - now her parents join us to talk about Scotland Yard's new leads Cookery Former Masterchef contestant Shelina Permaloo shows us her recipe for zesty summer salmon Jane Fallon Best-selling author - and Ricky Gervais' other half - Jane Fallon talks about her latest tome, Skeleton Suranne Jones The star of Scott and Bailey reveals all about her new hit drama The Crimson Field Model Mates: The final Thousands of nominees have now been whittled down to just three choices in our Model Mates competition - but who will the lucky group of friends jetting off to the Mediterranean? Tune in from 8:30am for all this and more with Lorraine Kelly.

Kate McCann: I need to find out if Madeleine is alive or dead..an end to not knowing, 01 May 2014

Kate McCann: I need to find out if Madeleine is alive or dead..an end to not knowing The Sun (paper edition)   EXCLUSIVE By ANTONELLA LAZZERI Thursday, May 1, 2014 KATE McCann last night opened her heart over vanished daughter Madeleine and said: "I just want to know if she's alive or dead." Speaking to publicise a new child rescue alert system Kate, 46, added: "We need to know - the worst thing is not knowing." SEE PAGES 4 AND 5 ------------------- Online home page teaser:   --------------------- 'I need to find out if Madeleine is alive or dead... an end to not knowing' says Kate McCann The Sun (with videos) EXCLUSIVE By ANTONELLA LAZZERI Published: 01 May 2014 KATE McCann last night opened her heart over vanished daughter Madeleine and said: "I just want to know if she's alive or dead." Mum Kate has told how she still longs for the return of her daughter — but is not blinkered to a possible "worst case scenario". And she revealed she now just wants to know what happened to her beloved girl. Kate spoke three days ahead of the seventh anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance to publicise the launch of the Child Rescue Alert system.   Video: Kate McCann explains Child Rescue Alert MUM of missing Madeleine on why she's backing new plan to help save abducted children It sends out texts and emails if a youngster is abducted, or missing and thought to be facing imminent danger. She said: "We obviously want Madeleine back number one — but we do want an answer, whatever. "I have spent days thinking, 'What would you rather? Not know, or find out something you didn't want to hear?' "Obviously our ultimate hope is that we find Madeleine and she comes home and we re-establish her into our family and spend the next few years of her life getting it all as good as it can be. "But if it was down to not knowing or finding out news that isn't what you want to hear? At the end of the day I can't change that. What would you rather? "I'm not underestimating the blow of hearing bad news that your child had been killed, because obviously you're not going to go, 'OK at least we know'. "But I've spent hours thinking about that and, each time, I still come up thinking we need to know. Regardless, we need to know." Scotland Yard recently announced they believe Portuguese authorities will let them carry out investigations in the area where Madeleine vanished while on holiday with her family seven years ago. That action is likely to involve ground searches. Kate, 46, and 45-year-old husband Gerry, from Rothley, Leics, still firmly believe the Metropolitan Police probe could result in Madeleine, who would now be ten, being found alive and well.   Video: Kate McCann appeal for Child Rescue Alert MUM of missing Madeleine needs YOUR help with launch of new system to help save abducted children   But they also know it could result in a different outcome. Kate said: "We want them to do all this. It's painful, having to think about it and worry all the time that potentially they could find something. "But you have to balance that with living day in, day out, with not knowing. And we cannot change anything that's happened now. "I can say that now, keeping in control and talking as if it's not about Madeleine. "The first day that's the only thing I could think of — but I didn't know then about cases of children being found years down the line. "But there is also the worst case scenario. That's always been a possibility and anyone who thinks that we're blinkered doesn't know us." Kate said she also wants an answer for Madeleine's younger brother and sister, nine-year-old twins Sean and Amelie. She said: "Sean and Amelie need to know. They've got their whole lives ahead of them and no one is ever going to say to me they will not try and look for their sister — they will. "I don't want them having to carry this on." Madeleine went missing on May 3, 2007, in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz. She would now be just days away from celebrating her 11th birthday. Kate still hopes she will be found alive like Jaycee Lee Dugard, who was abducted in South Lake Tahoe, California, aged 11 — but found 18 years later. Now Kate believes the Child Rescue Alert, run by the charity Missing People for the National Crime Agency, will save children's lives and act as a deterrent to would-be abductors. Kate said: "There are two things with Child Rescue Alert. "One is the joy and relief of finding the child — and number two is the ease of suffering for the family. "One, they've got the child back and two, potentially they will not have to go through years of not knowing. "You don't want to think of anybody else going through that pain and helplessness. Anyone who has a missing child will tell you the worst thing is the not knowing." Kate is aiming to sign up one million people to receive messages from the alert system. Speaking directly to Sun readers, she said: "Please, please sign up, it could be the most important thing you ever do. "All you have to do is visit www.child rescuealert.org.uk. Please do it, you could make a real difference." She added: "The scope for reaching a huge amount of people is fantastic. People will be able to share the alert via social media." Kate said Child Rescue Alert can also protect children by making would-be kidnappers think again. She said: "It can act as a deterrent in two ways. Firstly it will make an abductor think twice before he does it. "But also I know in the States there were 16 cases in one year of the abductor releasing the child as soon as the alert went out. "Stats from the countries that already have a Child Rescue Alert system in place prove it works — 685 children in America have been rescued thanks to Amber Alerts. "In the countries with alert systems in place, there is success story after story of children being saved. "In the Netherlands, 2.2million people are signed up to receive alerts. "That's a phenomenal number and it greatly increases the chance of a child being found. "That child has to be somewhere, they could be in the next car to you, they could be walking past you, or it might just ring a bell that it's something that you noticed that didn't seem quite right. "Then, when you hear the alert, it makes sense. "We're not asking anyone to do something massive, it's just keeping your eyes and ears open. The more helping the search, the greater the chance of finding the missing child." The Child Rescue Alert, made possible thanks to funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and the EU, will also put out messages on Twitter, Facebook, radio and TV. Speaking about the developments in Operation Grange — the Met review set up into Madeleine's disappearance in 2011 — Kate said: "The Met have really been fantastic. "It has given us a lifeline having them on board and I hope that the progress they've made will be allowed to continue." Kate also praised the children and parents who have come forward to report that they were attacked by what appears to have been a serial sex predator around the Algarve. She said: "It's really brave, I'm so grateful to those people. So much courage and compassion to share that information, knowing it could help." Millions will get snatch warning CHILD Rescue Alert allows the alarm to be raised to millions of people once a child is abducted or is believed to be in immediate danger. Texts and emails will be sent to the mobiles, tablets and computers of those who register with the system online. And alerts will also go on Twitter, Facebook, radio, TV and on digital billboards at stations, airports, sports stadiums and shopping centres. The messages will contain a photo of the child, a description and crucial details such as if a vehicle is involved. The system has been made possible thanks to funding from the players of the People's Postcode Lottery and the EU. The alerts are sent out using technology donated by Groupcall, co-founded by Sir Bob Geldof. The initiative is based on America's Amber Alert scheme, which Kate and husband Gerry campaigned to be brought into the UK and across Europe. Kate said: "The first few hours after a child has been taken are crucial. "In the case of an abducted child, experts say time is the enemy. "Child Rescue Alert will galvanise the whole community to assist the search for a missing child. "The general public are vital in helping to find an abducted child."

Madeleine's mother backs new alerts, 01 May 2014

Madeleine's mother backs new alerts Press Association Press Association 01-05-2014 06:41 Press Association - Kate McCann, pictured with husband Gerry, has urged people to sign up to Child Rescue Alerts The mother of missing Madeleine McCann has backed a revamped alert system triggered when missing children are kidnapped or their lives are at risk. Kate McCann urged members of the public to sign up for Child Rescue Alerts, which will be overhauled later this month. She said: "When a child is abducted, families are devastated and entire communities are torn apart. The agony of not knowing where your child is is almost impossible to imagine. The helplessness is at times overwhelming. "But there is now something we can all do to help. Please sign up to receive alerts - you could save a child's life." The mother also spoke of how she would prefer to know the truth about what happened to her daughter, even if it is "the worst case scenario". She told The Sun: "I f it was down to not knowing or finding out news that isn't what you want to hear? At the end of the day I can't change that. What would you rather? "I'm not underestimating the blow of hearing bad news that you child had been killed, because obviously we're not going to go 'OK at least we know'. But I've spent hours thinking about that and, each time, I still come up thinking we need to know. Regardless we need to know." She added: "But there is always the worst case scenario. That's always been a possibility and anyone who thinks that we're blinkered doesn't know us." The new system will allow alerts to be issued via text, email, social media, digital billboards and to the media. Members of the public can already sign up to receive alerts, although the new system will come into play on International Missing Children's Day on May 25. A Child Rescue Alert was recently used in the hunt for murdered five-year-old April Jones, and the system is designed to make the most of the "golden hours" when a child goes missing. Charlie Hedges from the National Crime Agency, who helped co-ordinate the appeals, said: " The success of Child Rescue Alert is down to each and every one of us. I've already been encouraged by the wide range of organisations who have joined us in partnership to offer their support and help launch this invaluable tool. "Now it's down to the public to sign up for the alerts so we can send the message as widely as possible when a child goes missing." Jo Youle, chief executive of the charity Missing People, said "Every minute after their disappearance is crucial to bringing a child home safely. Child Rescue Alert will now mean the public and companies can help - and hopefully save these children's lives."

Missing Madeleine McCann, 01 May 2014

Missing Madeleine McCann ITV - Lorraine (with video) 8:33 - 1 May 2014   'We get our strength from each other, from our family and friends.' – Kate McCann ---------------- It will be seven years on Saturday since Madeline McCann disappeared from her parents’ holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz. Kate and Gerry McCann are so convinced that Madeleine is still alive, that they continue to step up their efforts to find their daughter. Today, they exclusively speak to Lorraine about Scotland Yard's fresh leads. If you have any information about the case you think may help police, please call 0845 838 4699 Visit findmadeleine.com to find out more 'If we haven't found Madeleine, or we haven't found what's happened, then we haven't done enough. There's still work to be done.' – Kate McCann Kate and Gerry McCann ------------------------- Transcript By Nigel Moore Lorraine Kelly: Now, this Saturday will mark seven years since Madeleine McCann went missing while on holiday on a family holiday in Portugal. From that moment, her parents, Kate and Gerry, have campaigned tirelessly for their daughters safe return. First, let's remind ourselves of their story. [archive video sequence] Lorraine Kelly: [voice over] This is the final photograph of Madeleine [poolside photo]. Hours later she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Portugal, while her parents and their friends ate at a nearby restaurant. Her mum and dad began a desperate search for Madeleine with appeals across Europe and a visit to the Pope in Rome. Three months later they were faced with yet more turmoil when they were named as 'official suspects'. There were dozens of reported sightings of Madeleine but a year after her disappearance the Portuguese Inquiry was officially shelved. Kate and Gerry were eventually cleared of any involvement, in July 2008. Employing private investigators and raising money through charity events, their search for Madeleine has never stopped. In 2011, they appealed directly to Prime Minister David Cameron and within 24 hours he announced funding for a police investigative review team. In the last six months the investigation has taken a positive turn. Last month, new evidence came to light prompting over 500 calls from the public. A potential suspect, seen wearing a burgundy top, has been linked to the investigation. [end of archive video sequence] Lorraine Kelly: Well, Ka... Gerry and Kate McCann join me now. Thank you, for... for coming in. I can't believe that it's seven years, errm... what... what's the latest? What do we know... what's the latest in the investigation? Gerry McCann: Well, I think, errr... the progress, errr... with the Met investigative review has been, errr... really quite impressive and, errm... you know, one of the things we were asking for, was for all the information to be reviewed. We've had updates on Crimewatch, and fresh appeals, and literally, errm... senior detectives told us that hundreds of people have come forward, and what they've identified now is that there has been a... a whole series of crimes against young children - British families, errr... in the Algarve - errr... by people breaking into apartments and, errr... you know, they're potentially linked, errm... and that's really important information, obviously. So we'd... we'd really like to thank all those people who came forward. We know that for the families that that can be really difficult, errr... for children who have been traumatised and many of these cases are going back years, so we'd really like to thank them, but it's really building up a picture... Lorraine Kelly: Yeah Gerry McCann: ...of what was going on in and around Praia da Luz, errm... in... immediately preceding and after Madeleine being taken, so we're really encouraged by it. Lorraine Kelly: But we're seven years on, you know... Gerry McCann: Mmm... Lorraine Kelly: We're seven years on and you're talking about people coming forward, errm... Gerry McCann: Yeah. Lorraine Kelly: ...in very, very tough circumstances, and that's hard for you; to imagine that anything like that might have happened to your wee girl. That's.. that's the thing, it's kind of... it's a difficult one, isn't it? Gerry McCann: Yeah, I mean obviously, you know, Lorraine, that when Madeleine was first taken that was the... the only thing we could think about; and that was the hardest, by far. Errm... but there are different scenarios and we've seen, errr... a whole load of cases of children been recovered after long time, errr... been abducted and held, and obviously Madeleine was very young, so, errm... Kate McCann: Of course, we don't know that any of these cases are linked to each other, or to Madeleine, but I think it's common sense really that you... something like that stands out, it needs to be investigated. Gerry McCann: I think, I mean, for me the key thing is - even though it's seven years on - there is lots and lots of things that still need investigated and lines of inquiry that need followed and, I suppose, while we know that there's lines of inquiry that haven't been bottomed out, then we just want to get on with it and get it done and, you know, it doesn't matter so much how long it takes, we've just got to get it done. Lorraine Kelly: Where do you two get your strength though, to... to keep going? Because it is remarkable. Gerry McCann: I... I get mine from Kate, obviously. Lorraine Kelly: Do you get it from one another? Kate McCann: I think from each other, from our children, from our family and friends, you know... Gerry McCann: And the support. We've had unbelievable support; errm... not just those who are close to us but public support's been amazing. Kate McCann: And that's ongoing, you know, which, as you say, seven years down the line, is quite incredible. Lorraine Kelly: Because when you think about it, this time seven years ago you were on holiday; it was a normal family holiday, and is it tough to remember a time before Madeleine was taken. Is it... is it difficult to... to remember those days, you know, when... when things were so very different? Kate McCann: Well, even last week, you know, just say for example, 27th of April, I was thinking: 'This time seven years ago, you know, everything was as great as it could ever be'. You know, it's... Gerry McCann: I think for us, it... our life is defined by pre and post the abduction, errm... unfortunately. Errm... leading up to Portugal, having had three very young children and had a, you know, tough two or three years just full on and working etcetera, and we were just coming through that and we were, you know, I wouldn't saw we were... but life seemed good, really good, errm... and it's different now because Sean and Amelie are nine, errm... they are really good kids, really happy and they bring us tremendous amount of joy, errm... so it is very much 'we were a family of five and now we're functioning as family of four'. Kate McCann: I think the hard thing though, maybe people think: 'Well it's seven years down the line, I guess you...' and we have adapted but still weeks and months rolling by is still incredibly significant for us, so whether Madeleine had been found, you know, after a week, after six months, you know, whether it's, you know, seven years and one week, that is better than ten years, or whatever. So, it's really significant. So, for us we want the progress that's been made by the Met to continue, I guess, on the ground in Portugal and, you know, I guess, in truth, we'd like them to work as a... you know, together, as a... Lorraine Kelly: Yes, that would have been good if that had happened from the start. Kate McCann: You know, we want to... ideally a joint investigation team, so the work can be streamlined, bueroc... bureaucracy is reduced and, errr... progress can be made much quicker because time rolling on for us is still painful and living in a... a limbo of not knowing is horrible, for all our family. Lorraine Kelly: Because she's still very, very much part of your life, she's very much part of the twins lives... Kate McCann: Mmm. Lorraine Kelly: You know, they... presumably they talk about their big sister and you, you know, you'll talk about her, you... Gerry McCann: Yeah, absolutely. Lorraine Kelly: ...you keep her there as... as part of your family. Gerry McCann: Yeah, no, completely. Errm... errr... I think it does get harder as time goes on but, very much so. You know, they're surrounded by photographs, they know that we're here today - the usual - they know that the police are investigating, errm... so we keep them as... as informed as we can. Lorraine Kelly: And also, you two do an awful lot of work as well. A lot of running, a lot of running, and a lot of fundraising for Missing People and that... does that help you in some way? Is that a positive thing for you to do? Kate McCann: Well, it is, I mean, I'm sure everybody can understand whenever something terrible happens you want to believe that some good can come out of it, and I believe obviously since Madeleine was taken, you know, the... the charities work, errm... and all other families who have missing children; there has been some benefit because of the publicity and the awareness, and if we can help in some way with that, that has to be some good that's come out of it. Gerry McCann: Yeah, you've got to, I think, try and channel it. We've obviously had a huge amount of publicity around Madeleine and trying to channel that into effective change and obviously there's the revamped Child Rescue Alert, which Kate's been involved with promoting, errm... and other things obviously throughout Europe and trying to get a more, errr... homogenous response, errr... to child abduction across the European Union, particularly when the... we've got open borders. It's really important that there's cooperation between police forces and it's a bit like coming back to what we're trying to facilitate at the minute between the Met and the Portuguese police, that normally you only get cooperation for very serious crimes; drug trafficking, things but child abduction is a serious crime and, errr... Lorraine Kelly: Absolutely. Gerry McCann: And we really want that... those types of strategies that would be used to counter terrorism and drug trafficking etcetera, are put if for human trafficking and... and other crimes against children. Lorraine Kelly: Do you think there'll ever be a time where you'll just think to yourself: 'You know what, we've done enough, we can't do it anymore' and... and give up? Do you think that would ever happen? Kate McCann: Well, no, and I don't think any parents would really because if we haven't found Madeleine, or we haven't found what's happened, then we haven't done enough. There's still work to be done. I mean, obviously, our work load has been reduced, or changed, you know, hugely since the, errr... the Met came on board and that's certainly made our lives a lot easier and great progress has been made to date. Lorraine Kelly: It's good. Thank you both. Kate and Gerry McCann: Thank you Lorraine Kelly: Thank you both, very much indeed.

Madeleine McCann parents 'frustrated' by lack of joint inquiry, 01 May 2014

Madeleine McCann parents 'frustrated' by lack of joint inquiry BBC News (with video) 1 May 2014 Last updated at 13:47   Kate and Gerry McCann spoke to the BBC's Fiona Bruce The parents of Madeleine McCann have told the BBC they are frustrated there is no joint British and Portuguese police inquiry into her disappearance. Her mother, Kate McCann, said she also finds the slowness of the Portuguese investigation "distressing". Madeleine was three when she disappeared in Praia da Luz, Algarve, seven years ago on Saturday. Mrs McCann said she walks in that area every year to feel closer to Madeleine. Madeleine's bedroom at the family home in Rothley, Leicestershire, has been kept exactly as it was when she went missing, her mother said. "She might want to change it a bit now she's a bit older," Mrs McCann said. "It's absolutely the same." 'Look for answers' Mrs McCann's visits to Praia da Luz take place once or twice a year, with the most recent being in April 2013. "That's obviously the last place we were with Madeleine," she said. "I'll still walk those streets and I guess try to look for answers. It helps me, most of the time." She admitted she went "quietly" so as not to generate publicity which some local people "resent". Madeleine's 11th birthday is on 12 May Scotland Yard launched a new investigation - codenamed Operation Grange - into Madeleine's disappearance last July, two years into a review of the case, and made renewed appeals for information. A high-profile campaign run by the McCanns and the Portuguese police investigation had so far failed to locate the missing child. Mrs McCann said she was particularly frustrated that police in Portugal had so far ruled out a joint inquiry with their British counterparts. "As a parent, I find the slowness of action in Portugal really hard to take. I find it quite distressing," she said. "Even though we're seven years down the line, waiting weeks or months, particularly for letters of request to be processed basically... it is frustrating. "I suppose I do struggle with the fact. Please work together." 'Parallel investigations' Mrs McCann said she had not been given a reason why a joint team had not been set up. "To us, it makes sense that the two police forces should work together, to have a more streamlined approach to avoid duplication and basically to progress the investigation at a faster pace," she added. Her husband Gerry said: "What is very, very clear is that there are lots of lines of inquiry and a lot of further work needs to be done in Portugal. "The Met can only do so much with the information that they have." Mr McCann said it was a "big step forward" that the Portuguese investigation had been reopened but admitted the bureaucratic process was causing delays.   The McCann family was staying at the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz when Madeleine disappeared "The concern that we have, and I think also that the Metropolitan Police have, is that at the minute, there's almost parallel investigations going on, which doesn't make sense," said Mr McCann. "We're not quite sure why there's resistance to the joint investigation team, because clearly resources in Portugal is an issue and this would be one mechanism by which they could have additional funding." 'Toughest day' The seventh anniversary of the day Madeleine went missing from the McCann's holiday apartment will be marked with a small gathering in their home village. They said they planned to celebrate Madeleine's 11th birthday later this month with their other two children, nine-year-old twins Sean and Amelie. Mr McCann said: "It's really hard. She's not there. It's by far the toughest day of our year, every year." The family still has a birthday cake for Madeleine every year, said Mrs McCann. She added: "You think - 11, she's due to start secondary school in September. Which is just.... It's a long time." Madeleine's younger brother and sister were described by their mother as "great kids". "They really are wonderful," said Mrs McCann. "They've grown up with a big sister not being there. "She's talked about frequently... we're a family of five, they've got an elder sister and they've handled it incredibly well." Her husband added that the pair are "normal, happy nine-year-olds." 'Never give up' The best-case scenario, said Mr McCann, would be if Madeleine had been "taken by someone who wanted a child" and has been "loved and cared for". High-profile cases of missing women found years after they were taken, including Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight who were rescued from a house in Ohio last year, have given them hope, the McCanns said. "If you're one of those people, then statistics mean nothing." said Mrs McCann. "It is real hope. We're not blinkered. "We know what the statistics say. But we also know about all of these cases. "For each one of those children, now women, that have been found, statistics would have said they were dead." Asked for a message for Madeleine, her mother said: "We love you Madeleine. We miss you every day, as we did that very first day, and we're waiting for you. "We're never going to give up. We'll do whatever we can to find you." ----------------- Transcript of short video [02:44]   By Nigel Moore Kate McCann: To us it makes sense, two police forces should work together. I mean, to have a more streamlined approach to avoid duplication and basically to progress the investigation at a faster pace. I'm not sure myself and I haven't been given a reason as to why a joint investigation team has been knocked back. Gerry McCann: The concern that we have, and I think also that the Metropolitan Police have is that at the minute there's almost a parallel investigation that's going on, which just doesn't make sense. Fiona Bruce: But would you ever go back? I mean, I remember going to Praia da Luz, errm... along with so much of the media around this... around the time when Madeleine was first taken. Kate McCann: I mean, I... I do go back. I mean, I haven't been since last April but I do go back for personal reasons. Fiona Bruce: And I guess, for you, it's a chance to be close to her. Is it? Is that how it feels? Kate McCann: It is. I mean that's obviously the last place we were with Madeleine and I'll still walk those streets and, I guess, try and look for answers or... [shrugs shoulders] you know, so... it helps me. Most of the time [laughs]. Fiona Bruce: It's the seventh anniversary on Saturday. How will you mark that? Kate McCann: Well, usually, it's very quietly. We usually have a small gathering in the village, which we've done for the last so-many years. Errm... We've always said it's actually Madeleine's birthday, which follows soon after really, which is a more difficult day. Fiona Bruce: And she would have been 11? Gerry McCann: Yeah. Kate McCann: 11, yeah. Fiona Bruce: I mean, how do you mark that? How do you mark that for a child who's not there? Gerry McCann: It's hard, it's really hard. There's no [mumbles and shrugs shoulders]... she's not there. You should be celebrating and it's... it's by far the toughest day of our year, I think. Every year. Fiona Bruce: And it's hard every year? Kate McCann: Oh yeah, definitely. You know, and you think 11, errm... you know, and she... she's due to start secondary school in September, which is just, you know... [long gap] it's a long time. Fiona Bruce: What's your... what's your best hope of where Madeleine is now? Because you've always maintained she could be alive. Gerry McCann: I suppose the scenario, and it's not been ruled out, is that Madeleine was taken by someone who... who wanted a child and that she's been loving... and loved and cared for. That's, I think, the best scenario but, of course, there are many others. Fiona Bruce: It's a long shot but if Madeleine is alive, if she could hear you, what would you say to her? Kate McCann: We love you Madeleine, errr... we miss you everyday; as we did that very first day, and we're waiting for you. We're never going to give up, errm... we'll do whatever we can to find you. -------------------- Kate and Gerry McCann interview in full BBC News (with video) 1 May 2014 Last updated at 16:00 BST The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have been speaking about their feelings as the seventh anniversary of their daughter's disappearance approaches. Her father, Gerry McCann, expressed frustration at the "parallel investigations" being conducted by Metropolitan and Portuguese police. Kate said that she finds some solace in returning to Praia da Luz, the Algarve resort where she last saw her daughter. Madeleine was three-years-old when she disappeared from a holiday apartment seven years ago.

McCanns 'Still Hope To Bring Madeleine Home', 01 May 2014

McCanns 'Still Hope To Bring Madeleine Home' Sky News (with video) 1:54pm UK, Thursday 01 May 2014 Kate McCann says she is desperate to know whether her daughter is still alive, as she backs the new Child Rescue Alert. The mother of missing Madeleine McCann has said she needs to know what happened to her daughter even if the answer turns out to be the "worst case scenario". Nearly seven years since the youngster vanished while on holiday in Portugal with her family, Kate McCann told Sky News: "Madeleine's either alive or she isn't and we can't change that. "If we can find her we can bring her home and make things right. "Obviously our hope is that she's alive and being well looked after but regardless of the outcome, we need to know. We all need to know." In a separate interview with The Sun newspaper, she added: "The worst case scenario has always been a possibility and anyone who thinks we're blinkered doesn't know us." There has been no sign of Madeleine since she disappeared from the resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007, aged three. Last week, it emerged police are investigating five new cases in which young British girls were sexually abused during holiday home break-ins in the Algarve. It followed a fresh appeal for information by detectives at Scotland Yard, which led to hundreds of calls. Madeleine's father, Gerry McCann, said in the Sky News interview: "The crime needs to be solved. "Ultimately, there is someone out there, or people out there, who have stolen a child and it may be linked to other crimes, it may not."   As the investigation continues, the McCanns have given their support to the new Child Rescue Alert system, which is due to launch later this month, describing it as a "really exciting step forward". Modelled on the United States' Amber Alert, which has helped track down nearly 700 missing children since 1996, it works by sending out text, email and social media messages. People can sign up in an advance to receive the alerts, which will also be broadcast on TV and radio. Mrs McCann said: "When a child is abducted, families are devastated and entire communities are torn apart. "The agony of not knowing where your child is almost impossible to imagine. "The helplessness is at times overwhelming but there is now something we can all do to help. Please sign up to receive alerts - you could save a child's life." --------------- Transcript of video By Nigel Moore Alex Rossi: I mean, there's always the possibility, isn't there, with every anniversary that comes and goes, that actually you may simply never find out what happened to Madeleine. Kate McCann: I mean, I think that's worst case scenario, to be honest. To be left in the situation of not knowing, particularly when you know that there are lines of inquiry that need to be pursued. Gerry McCann: Yeah. Kate McCann: She's either alive or she isn't and we... we can't change that. I mean, obviously our hope is that she's alive and well and being looked after and whatever scenario that she's in, if we can find her and bring her home, we can make things right. But regardless of the outcome, we need to know. We all need to know. Sean and Amelie need to know. Errm... Gerry McCann: And the crime needs solved, you know. Ultimately, there is someone out there, or people out there, who have stolen a child and it may be linked to other crimes, it may not, but, errm... you know, public need protected as well. Alex Rossi: And, of course, there are, errm... Madeleine's, errr... brothers and sister as well. I mean, each anniversary comes and goes. They are growing up; they're nine now. Kate McCann: That's right. Alex Rossi: This is very difficult for them too? Kate McCann: Well, they've kind of grown up obviously, errr... for most of their life without Madeleine being present. I mean, they know exactly that she's been taken, they know why we're still doing what we're doing, they know why we're here today. And my hope is that they are not going to have to carry on this job of trying to find their sister. You know, that's why we want an end to this as soon as possible. Alex Rossi: The coverage of Madeleine's disappearance has been massive and you are, errm... also highlighting the new child alert system as well. How... how will that work? How will that help other families not have to go through what you're going through? Kate McCann: Well, this is a really exciting step forward. The Child Rescue Alert is based on the Amber Alert in the USA, which has been highly successful; they've managed to save 685 abducted children since it... since it first started. Experts will say, you know, time is the enemy. The sooner you start a search for a child, it goes without saying, the greater your chances of finding them. --------------- Child Rescue Alerts: How New System Will Work Sky News Updated: 1:14pm UK, Thursday 01 May 2014 A new warning system that can issue nationwide alerts when a child is abducted is due to go live on May 25. Sky News looks at how the system will be used. :: What is a Child Rescue Alert? The scheme is designed to alert members of the public to an abduction as quickly as possible. According to the Child Rescue Alert website, "the initial hours after a child is abducted are crucial". "A sighting by a member of the public can lead to the safe recovery of the child," it adds. Messages can be sent by text message, email and social media. Alerts, which can be issued nationally, locally or regionally, can also be flashed up on digital billboards and broadcast on TV and radio stations. :: Is there any evidence such alerts work? The British scheme is similar to the United States' Amber Alert system, which has been operating since 1996. Since then, 679 children have been rescued, including 68 in 2012 alone. The Netherlands issues an average of four abduction alerts every year, with children tracked down in about two-thirds of cases. :: When will a Child Rescue Alert be issued? Alerts will only be issued by the police when specific criteria are met. The missing person must be under 18 years old and officers must be concerned the child is in imminent danger of serious harm or death. They must also be able to give the public enough information to help in the search for the child. :: When does the Child Rescue Alert system start? The scheme is due to launch on May 25 to coincide with International Missing Children's Day. However, members of the public can already sign up online to receive alerts. Charlie Hedges, of the National Crime Agency, said: "The success of Child Rescue Alert is down to each and every one of us." :: Who is behind the scheme? Child Rescue Alert is run by CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency, and the charity Missing People. It is backed by the parents of missing Madeleine McCann, who disappeared while on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007. Her mother, Kate, said: "The sooner you start the search for a missing child, the better your chance of finding them." The scheme is funded by a £225,000 grant from the People's Postcode Lottery, as well as €100,000 (£82,175) from the EU.

Updates, 03 May 2014 [appeared online 02 May 2014]

Updates: findmadeleine.com [Note: statement also appeared on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, 02 May 2014 at 00:21] 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 http://www.childrescuealert.org.uk/ and sign up today. There are several other ways to help too – Take a look on http://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

Kate McCann is prepared for news of the death of Maddie, 02 May 2014

Kate McCann is prepared for news of the death of Maddie CMTV Disappearance was seven years ago 02 May 2014, 17:42 Kate McCann has spoken once again about the disappearance of her daughter, seven years ago, in Praia da Luz in the Algarve. The Briton says she is prepared for news of the death of Madeleine and says she wants, above all, to know the truth about what happened. CMTV will broadcast a special report on Saturday night, at 23:00, about the seven years of the disappearance of Maddie.

Missing Madeleine McCann's mum Kate still ''paralysed" by sadness over disappearance of daughter, 02 May 2014

Missing Madeleine McCann's mum Kate still ''paralysed" by sadness over disappearance of daughter Daily Mirror May 02, 2014 19:35 By Martin Fricker, Tracey Kandohla Saturday's sad milestone will be marked by Kate, husband Gerry and close family praying for the girl's return   Paralysed by sadness: Kate McCann and Madeleine Kate McCann is often still "paralysed" by sadness over the disappearance of her daughter Madeleine, who vanished seven years ago tomorrow. The sad milestone will be marked by Kate, husband Gerry and close family praying for the girl's return. Kate, 46, said: "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." Kate, a former GP, singled out Scotland Yard's investigation for making "encouraging progress." She also made a veiled attack on the Portuguese police who have so far stalled in committing to join forces with British detectives. But she said UK police were "cautiously optimistic" of starting inquiries on the ground in Portugal very soon. Kate added: "The passing of further weeks and months as a result of unnecessary delays and barriers are not only frustrating they are distressing. "Each day without Madeleine and each day of not knowing is another day too many." Kate and Gerry, 45, will take nine-year-old twins Sean and Amelie to a prayer service at the war memorial in their village of Rothley, Leics. Madeleine was three when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal. She would now be almost 11. Kate's beloved Everton Football Club will mark the sombre anniversary before their Premier League match against Man City this evening by urging fans to remember Madeleine.

Madeleine McCann's mum Kate furious at cruel Portugal police, 03 May 2014

Madeleine McCann's mum Kate furious at cruel Portugal police Daily Star MADELEINE McCann's mum yesterday admitted the Portuguese police's refusal to join forces with Brit detectives to find her daughter is "incredibly distressing". By Jerry Lawton / Published 3rd May 2014 Kate, 46, appealed for police from both countries to speed up the search by forming a joint investigation team. She said the current situation in which Met Police have to send formal letters to their Portuguese counterparts asking them to carry out inquiries on their behalf was causing "unnecessary delays and barriers". Kate spoke before taking part in a vigil with friends and neighbours in Rothley, Leics, yesterday to pray for Madeleine's safe return – seven years after she vanished from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz. She said: "Working together is key to the progress of the investigation and a joint team 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." It is the first time the McCanns have criticised the Portuguese police since forces from both nations launched separate fresh inquiries last year.

'Thanks for supporting us': Kate and Gerry McCann's message to the public on seventh anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, 03 May 2014

'Thanks for supporting us': Kate and Gerry McCann's message to the public on seventh anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance Daily Mirror May 03, 2014 19:08 By Anthony Bond About 100 well-wishers, friends and relatives gathered in the McCann's hometown to mark the seventh year since Madeleine went missing in Portugal   Gerry and Kate McCann, the parents of missing Madeleine McCann, during a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance Tributes to missing Madeleine McCann, at a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, on the seventh anniversary of the girl's disappearance   Gerry and Kate McCann, the parents of missing Madeleine McCann, during a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance Kate McCann, the mother of missing Madeleine McCann, speaks during a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance Tributes to missing Madeleine McCann, at a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, on the seventh anniversary of the girl's disappearance     Maddie McCann, 7th anniversary of disappearance Kate and Gerry McCann today thanked the public for their support during a prayer service to mark the seventh anniversary of their daughter's disappearance. The couple were joined by about 100 well-wishers, friends and relatives for the low-key open-air service in the centre of their hometown. The half-hour service saw candles being lit for all children around the world who have been taken away from their parents against their will. Madeleine, then aged three, went missing on May 3 2007, part-way through a family holiday in Portgual. During the service in Rothley, Leicestershire, Mrs McCann gave a reading adapted from the words of a song. "Here we are again, and more significantly, here you are again," she told those present. "Having your support has a huge difference, so thank you." Mr McCann expressed his family's gratitude that the Metropolitan Police team investigating Madeleine's disappearance was now moving on to a "very active" phase in their investigation. "I would just like to echo what Kate said and thank you all for coming to support us over the past seven years," he said. Referring to the latest inquiries into Madeleine's disappearance, Mr McCann added: "They are chipping away and obviously there is new evidence so we are going to continue to hope that we will get a happy outcome." Speaking before the service, Mrs McCann's uncle, Brian Kennedy, said all four churches in the village had provided a tremendous support to the family. The retired headmaster, who lives in Rothley, said local people had also been extremely supportive. Asked how he felt on the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, Mr Kennedy, 75, said: "Much the same as I was seven years ago - hopeful. "But, as Kate always says, we would just like to know something. The worst part is not knowing where Madeleine is." Speaking earlier this week, Mrs McCann revealed that she privately returns to the Portuguese resort where her daughter disappeared to "walk those streets" and "look for answers". She told the BBC that she returns quietly to Praia da Luz at least once or twice a year to feel close to her eldest daughter. Mrs McCann's comments to the BBC came as she backed a revamped alert system triggered when missing children are kidnapped or their lives are at risk - known as Child Rescue Alerts. She said: "When a child is abducted, families are devastated and entire communities are torn apart. "The agony of not knowing where your child is is almost impossible to imagine."

McCanns mark Madeleine anniversary, 03 May 2014

McCanns mark Madeleine anniversary Press Association 3 May 2014 20.55 | By Press Association The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have thanked the public for their unstinting support at a prayer service on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance. Kate and Gerry McCann were joined by around 100 well-wishers, friends and relatives for the low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire. The half-hour service, conducted beside Rothley's War Memorial, saw candles being lit for all children around the world who have been taken away from their parents against their will. Madeleine, then aged three, went missing on May 3 2007, part-way through a family holiday in Portgual. During the service, led by Rothley's Anglican vicar Rob Gladstone, Mrs McCann gave a reading adapted from the words of a song. "Here we are again, and more significantly, here you are again," she told those present. "Having your support has made a huge difference, so thank you." Speaking after his wife, Mr McCann expressed his family's gratitude that the Metropolitan Police team investigating Madeleine's disappearance was now moving on to a "very active" phase in their investigation. Mr McCann said: "I would just like to echo what Kate said and thank you all for coming to support us over the past seven years." Referring to the latest inquiries into Madeleine's disappearance, Mr McCann added: "They are chipping away and obviously there is new evidence so we are going to continue to hope that we will get a happy outcome." Speaking before the service, Mrs McCann's uncle, Brian Kennedy, said all four churches in the village had provided a tremendous support to the family. The retired headmaster, who lives in Rothley, said local people had also been extremely supportive. Asked how he felt on the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, Mr Kennedy, 75, told the Press Association: "Much the same as I was seven years ago - hopeful. "But, as Kate always says, we would just like to know something. The worst part is not knowing where Madeleine is." Speaking earlier this week, Mrs McCann revealed that she privately returns to the Portuguese resort where her daughter disappeared to "walk those streets" and "look for answers". She told the BBC that she returns quietly to Praia da Luz at least once or twice a year to feel close to her eldest daughter. Mrs McCann's comments to the BBC came as she backed a revamped alert system triggered when missing children are kidnapped or their lives are at risk - known as Child Rescue Alerts. She said: "When a child is abducted, families are devastated and entire communities are torn apart. "The agony of not knowing where your child is is almost impossible to imagine."

'We are still battling, hoping and searching for Maddie': Kate McCann leads fresh talks, 04 May 2014

'We are still battling, hoping and searching for Maddie': Kate McCann leads fresh talks Sunday Express KATE McCann spoke yesterday of her hopes of finding daughter Madeleine alive as she prayed for her safe return on the poignant seventh anniversary of her disappearance. By: Tracey Kandohla Published: Sun, May 4, 2014 Addressing villagers at a low-key outdoor ceremony, tearful Kate said: "The past seven years have been so difficult and painful. "We are still battling, still hoping, still searching for Madeleine." She managed a smile and raised a laugh from the crowd, however, when she read from an adapted song I'll Be Seeing You. Before reciting the verses, she grinned: "I'll read the lyrics. "I won't torture you with my singing." The former GP, 46, joined by cardiologist husband Gerry, 45, and nine-year-old twins Sean and Amelie, called on supporters to join them in her favourite song, the Michael Joncas psalm On Eagle's Wings. It was sung at the couple's wedding and one line reads: "You need not fear the terror of the night." Kate, casually dressed in blue jeans, orange top and trainers, hugged Gerry as they sang in the sunshine at the gathering in their village of Rothley, Leicestershire. A shrine was set up at the war memorial to mark the occasion. Photographs of Madeleine and other missing children were displayed on a billboard. Green and yellow ribbons symbolising hope and solidarity were tied to the railings beside a large candle. Gerry thanked the 100-strong crowd for turning out, saying: "For us the last seven years have been made a bit easier by the tremendous support." He said the family had been buoyed by the Scotland Yard investigation. "They are going back out to Portugal very soon. "They are chipping away and there is new evidence. "We are going to continue hoping we get a happy outcome and one day we will know what's happening." Kate pleaded with residents to support her new child rescue scheme, which she hopes will save lives and act as a deterrent to would-be abductors. She urged: "Go home and sign up to the alert. "If a child goes missing in your area you will receive a text. "It is one of the good things that has come out of the last seven years." Kate's beloved Everton football club marked the sombre anniversary before their Premier League match against Manchester City last night by urging fans to remember Madeleine, who would be nearly 11. The club flashed an image of the three-year-old wearing an Everton shirt, one of the first photos to be released after she vanished, and a message: "Still missing, still missed, never forgotten."

Official Find Madeleine Campaign new cover photo, 04 May 2014

New cover photo Official Find Madeleine Campaign - Facebook

Sunday, 4 May 2014 at 01:07

Madeleine McCann's great aunt: 'positive' things can come from her disappearance, 04 May 2014

Madeleine McCann's great aunt: 'positive' things can come from her disappearance ITV 1:04pm, Sun 4 May 2014 Last updated Sun 4 May 2014 Madeleine McCann's great aunt has told ITV News Central 'positive' things can come from her disappearance. Yesterday Kate and Gerry McCann attended a gathering in the village of Rothley in Leicestershire to remember Madeleine 7 years, to the day, after she disappeared. Her great aunt says Madeleine's parents have done a lot to raise awareness of the importance of acting 'strongly' to find missing and exploited children. Transcript of short video By Nigel Moore Janet Kennedy: It doesn't lessen the anguish, it doesn't lessen the grief and the sense of separation, from Madeleine in particular, but it does actually send out a message that... that something good can come out of what appeared to be absolutely devastating for one particular family.

Mothers launch child alert scheme, 20 May 2014

Mothers launch child alert scheme Press Association - video Video by: Press Association Date 20/05/14 Coral Jones and Kate McCann have launched a new campaign aimed at signing up at least a million people to a missing children's alert scheme -------------------- Transcript By Nigel Moore Nicholas McAvaney: [voice over] Kate McCann and the mother of murdered schoolgirl April Jones are backing a campaign to alert people when children go missing. They helped launch the scheme at King's Cross Station in London, where a billboard showed images of missing Madeleine McCann. The scheme will be rolled out on digital billboards across the country, as well as social media. Text messages and emails will also be used to issue alerts when a child is missing and their life is thought to be in danger. Coral Jones: Because we didn't have a happy ending with April, I'd like other families to have a happy ending because this will publicise everywhere, and other people will see it. They'll have text messages, phone messages, errr.... apps messages. I'm hoping this will help other people and have a good ending at it. Nicholas McAvaney: [voice over] Around 25,000 people have signed up to the scheme and organisers hope they will reach their target of 1 million. Coral Jones: Technology - every day there's something new happening and with technology now we can get out messages, billboards and pictures of child missing and I think everybody should sign up to this and, you know, the technology will help other people to get, you know, to look for their children; look for missing people. Nicholas McAvaney: [voice over] The system will be able to issue localised and national alerts after it launches on Sunday.

'I want to do everything I can to make sure that the next time a child is taken we can bring them home safely', 20 May 2014

'I want to do everything I can to make sure that the next time a child is taken we can bring them home safely' Wales Online By WalesOnline [Press Association] May 20, 2014 19:44 Coral Jones, the mother of murdered April, joins forces with Kate McCann to launch campaign informing the public about missing children   Kate McCann and Coral Jones at the launch of the new Child Rescue Alert system The mother of murdered schoolgirl April Jones has joined Kate McCann to launch a new campaign aimed at signing up at least a million people to a missing children's alert scheme. Coral Jones and Mrs McCann, mother of missing Madeleine, unveiled a digital billboard at King's Cross station in London promoting an enhanced Child Rescue Alerts system to inform the public about missing children whose lives are considered at risk. The scheme will use social media including text messages, email and digital billboards across the UK in addition to traditional broadcast media to issue the alerts when it is launched on Sunday, International Missing Children's Day. The scheme, the responsibility of the National Crime Agency (NCA) in partnership with the charity Missing People and the company Groupcall Limited, already has 25,000 people signed up. Organisers say the scheme will be able to issue localised and national alerts and has a target of a million to sign up by the end of its first year. Charlie Hedges, manager for Missing and Abducted Children at Ceop, part of the NCA, said: "It enables us to disseminate messages either at a very localised level or nationally quickly and effectively whenever there is a particularly highly endangered child we are trying to locate. "We are encouraging the public to sign up to the scheme so they can receive alerts, hopefully on rare occasions when we use the scheme." Mrs Jones, 42, urged people to sign up in an attempt to help other families of missing children. "The search for my beautiful April ended in tragedy and that is why I want to do everything I can to make sure that the next time a child is taken or in danger we can bring them home safely," she said. Mrs McCann also urged people to sign up to the alerts. "When a child is abducted, families are devastated and entire communities are torn apart. The agony of not knowing where your child is, is almost impossible to imagine. The helplessness is at times overwhelming. But there is now something we can all do to help." Mark Bridger, 47, was found guilty of five-year-old April's abduction and murder last year. He snatched the little girl from outside her home on an estate in Machynlleth, Mid Wales, while she was out playing in October 2012. The paedophile former lifeguard was given a full life sentence when he was jailed at Mold Crown Court in North Wales last year. Madeleine McCann, then nearly four years old, disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal's Algarve on May 3, 2007 as her parents dined at a tapas restaurant with friends nearby.

April Jones's mother, Coral, backs child rescue alerts, 21 May 2014

April Jones's mother, Coral, backs child rescue alerts BBC News 21 May 2014 Last updated at 12:42   A version of the child rescue alert was used when April Jones was abducted and murdered in 2012 A Child Rescue Alert scheme backed by the mother of murdered schoolgirl April Jones is launched at the Senedd later. The public alert can be triggered when a child's life is in danger. Since 2005, alerts have been issued to the press and media. From 25 May, the system will be extended to include members of the public who sign up. A version of the alert was used in the hunt for April, of Machynlleth, Powys, in October 2012 after she was abducted and then murdered by Mark Bridger, 47. April's body has never been found. Her mother, Coral Jones, helped the London launch of the campaign as she and Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeline, unveiled a digital billboard at King's Cross station on Tuesday. Mrs Jones, 42, said: "The search for my beautiful April ended in tragedy and that is why I want to do everything I can to make sure that the next time a child is taken or in danger we can bring them home safely." A Child Rescue Alert is a mechanism to centralise possible clues and leads from the public. An alert can be triggered by any British police force - but only when a case matches three criteria: The child must be under 18 There is a "reasonable belief" that the child is in imminent danger of serious harm There is sufficient information for the public to be able to help the police investigation The revamped system will allow alerts to be issued via text, email, social media and digital billboards. Police can configure the system to provide material in different formats to broadcasters in the area of the appeal. The mother and sister of the Manic Street Preacher's guitarist, Richey Edwards, who disappeared in 1995, are among those expected to attend the Cardiff launch of the alert scheme on Wednesday. Coral Jones (centre) and Kate McCann were at the scheme's launch at the House of Lords on Tuesday