Simon and Michelle Garratt, of Coalville, will be handing out leaflets and posters during their journey, which will see them average 200 miles a day and spend four weeks in a camper van.

Starting in France, they are taking their four children, Jake, 10, Niamh, eight, Freya, six, and Eden, three, on the trip.

Simon revealed son Jake was the inspiration behind the idea.

He said: "It's a mammoth task but we want to spread the word in the hope Madeleine is still out there.

"My son told me he wouldn't like to go missing and then be forgotten, and he asked, 'why can't we do anything to help Madeleine?' which got me thinking.

"We decided do something a bit challenging and different, and if people listen to us then we will have done a little bit."

The determined family are planning to stop off at several holy places on the way and will light candles for Madeleine, who disappeared from her family's holiday flat in the Algarve in May, 2007.

During their summer trip, they will be visiting France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Belgium.

Michelle admitted she was both looking forward to and dreading nearly a month on the road.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to getting around Europe and spreading the word. I'm not looking forward to the practical side of things ? like entertaining the kids and the constant travelling.

"The main aim is to go to pilgrimage places, but we might do a bit of sightseeing while we're out ? the kids will certainly want to!"

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCann family, from Rothley, said: "Kate and Gerry are very pleased that this family are taking the time and effort to help raise awareness of Madeleine's plight.

"It's marvellous to do and the McCanns will no doubt want to thank them in due course."

The Garratt family are also looking to raise money for charity while completing the trip, and have set themselves a ?5,000 target.

They are splitting whatever they collect between the Teenage Cancer Trust and Rainbows children's hospice.

Anyone interested in sponsoring them can visit their fund-raising page:

www.justgiving.com/journeyforhopeeurope2011.