Photo of Kate and Gerry McCann.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE parents of Madeleine McCann have penned a heartbreaking tribute to mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearance on Saturday.

Clinging onto hope of finding their daughter, Kate and Gerry thanked those who have supported them and kept Madeleine in their thoughts.

Photo of Kate and Gerry McCann.
Kate and Gerry vowed to ‘leave no stone unturned’ as they continue their fight for the truthCredit: PA
Image of Madeleine McCann with the text "No matter how near or far she is, Madeleine continues to be right here with us, every day."
Kate and Gerry shared this tribute to their daughter to mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearanceCredit: Facebook
Photograph of Madeleine McCann.
Madeleine was just three years old when she disappeared in 2007Credit: AFP

The parents wrote: “No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day,” alongside a picture of Madeleine.

Madeleine vanished aged three from her bed whilst on a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Lagos, Portugal on May 3, 2007.

Though nobody has ever been charged in connection with her disappearance, the German police have identified a main suspect—Christian Brückner, a convicted pedophile and rapist.

Kate and Gerry shared how they continue to “celebrate” Madeleine as “the very beautiful and unique person she is” in a heartfelt post on the Find Madeleine Campaign site.

They said: “We miss her” and vowed to “leave no stone unturned” in their “unwavering determination” to discover her fate.

The couple are due to attend an annual prayer vigil on Saturday evening in their home village of Rothley, Leicestershire, to remember their daughter.

If they attend, a police presence is anticipated, as the family are reportedly victims of two women accused of stalking, both of whom have been charged and are awaiting trial in October.

Madeleine’s parents also thanked their many supporters on the Facebook page, which has updated its profile with a montage of favourite photos of her.

Renowned heart doctor Gerry, 56, and former GP turned medical worker Kate, 57, cling onto a glimmer of hope that their daughter, who would now be 21, could still be alive.

They wrote: “As we arrive at the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction, we’d like to thank our faithful supporters once again for standing by us and never forgetting about Madeleine.

Moment Maddie prime suspect limps into court after mystery injury in prison

“The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to ‘leave no stone unturned’ is unwavering.

“We will do our utmost to achieve this.”

The McCanns added: “May is also the month which includes ‘International Missing Children’s Day’ (25th). 

“We continue to remember all missing children and their families, both here in the UK and abroad, thinking especially of all the children displaced from their homes and families in Ukraine and Gaza at this time.

“We’re very grateful to the UK Charity Missing People for their ongoing, invaluable work and to all organisations, charities and police forces who remain committed, despite many challenges and limited resources, to finding & bringing home the many missing and abducted children.”

The post continues: “May is also Madeleine’s birthday – her 22nd this year. 

“No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day.

“We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her. Kate, Gerry & family.”

Parents of Madeleine McCann holding up their daughter's pajamas at a press conference.
Kate and Gerry hold up Madeleine’s clothes the month after she went missingCredit: Getty
Photo of Madeleine McCann as a young child.
Madeleine would now be 21, almost 22Credit: AFP
a man in a suit and striped shirt looks at the camera
Christian Brueckner was named almost five years ago as the prime suspect in the case – but has not been charged over Madeleine’s disappearanceCredit: Dan Charity

The McCanns are expected to join friends and well wishers for the poignant milestone with a police presence there for the first time for their own safety.

Simon Payne, the vicar of Rothley Baptist Church which will host the vigil, said: “Eighteen years is quite a milestone and people still want to come and remember Madeleine and pray for her family.

“I hope it will be a peaceful occasion with no disturbance.

“I am told there will be a police presence, for Kate and Gerry who are hoping to be there.

“I am not sure how many officers will be in attendance.”

If the McCanns attend the customary gathering, where they are whole-heartedly welcomed by their community, it is not sure if their twins Sean and Amelie, both 20, will join them.

Kate’s uncle Brian Kennedy, who lives in the village with wife Janet, confirmed there would be a gathering on Saturday at 7pm at Cross Green at the war memorial.

He said: “I have no idea how many will attend and it has been such a long time, but the local people are still very supportive.”

The retired school head teacher added: “We are aware of how quickly May 3 comes round again but we keep on hoping even after such a long time.”

a white building with a car parked in front of it
The Portugal apartment Madeleine disappeared from years agoCredit: AFP
Parents of Madeleine McCann holding up their daughter's pajamas at a press conference.
The couple are expected to attend an annual vigil on SaturdayCredit: Alamy

Police will be on hand as Kate and Gerry, and their children, have been victims of alleged stalking which a court heard had a “substantial adverse effect” on the family’s lives, causing them “alarm and distress”.

Last year the McCanns pulled out of the annual prayers at the eleventh hour on police advice.

Unbeknown to the public at the time, they were allegedly being stalked and harassed by Polish “Madeleine faker” Julia Wandel.

She ominously turned up at the service, having approached their home the previous night.

Madeleine’s disappearance remains one of the world’s largest-scale missing person inquiries, and her fate remains unknown to this day.

German police are convinced Madeleine is dead and have been intent on charging prime suspect Christian Brueckner – sensationally named almost five years ago – with her kidnap and “no body” murder.

Scotland Yard are still treating her case as a missing persons inquiry and launched Operation Grange in 2011 on orders of the then Prime Minister David Cameron.

They have just been granted new funding by the Home Office of £108,000 for this financial year.

So far, the Met Police’s 14-year inquiry has cost the taxpayer a staggering £13.2 million plus.

A Home Office spokesperson said today: “Ministers have approved a request to provide up to £108,000 for Operation Grange in 2025-26.

“In line with our Special Grant processes, funding for Operation Grange is approved on an annual basis.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Karl-Anthony Towns sits for crucial stretch in Game 2 in Knicks dilemma

Key Moment: Karl-Anthony Towns Benched During Game 2 in Knicks’ Predicament

Karl-Anthony Towns did not score in the first quarter on Friday night,…
Fifth suspected New Orleans accomplice arrested for allegedly aiding inmates in jailbreak

Ex-FBI Agent Alerts Public to Take Notice of New Orleans Prison Escape

A retired FBI special agent has issued a warning following the escape…
Op-Ed: DeSantis Is Right to Kill Property Taxes—It’s Time to Lead the Pack

Opinion: Why DeSantis’s Move to Abolish Property Taxes Sets a New Standard

His latest initiative to eliminate property taxes in Florida is not just…
Claim $150 Bonus or $1K First Bet Safety Net for Panthers vs. Hurricanes tonight

Receive a $150 Bonus or Get a $1,000 Safety Net for Your First Bet on Tonight’s Thunder vs. Timberwolves Game

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
At commemoration of Dayton Peace Accords, Balkan and US officials say NATO helps maintain peace

During the Dayton Peace Accords Anniversary, Balkan and US Leaders Highlight NATO’s Role in Preserving Peace

In Dayton, Ohio, officials from Balkan countries that have benefited from the…
Trump signals approval of Nippon Steel-US Steel partnership

Trump Supports Partnership Between Nippon Steel and US Steel

Trump’s statement Friday left it vague as to whether he’s approving Nippon…
Dad carries 9-year-old daughter on shoulders through Westernport flood waters

Father Lifts 9-Year-Old Daughter on His Shoulders to Cross Flooded Waters in Westernport

Dustin Nash carried his 9-year-old on his shoulders, fearful that rescuers might…
Who died in the plane crash in San Diego?

San Diego Plane Crash: Who Are the Victims?

The music agency, Sound Talent Group, announced that three of its staff…
Daniel Williams of The Devil Wears Prada drumming at a music festival.

Fiancée of Former Devil Wears Prada Drummer Daniel Williams Posts Heartfelt Message Following Tragic San Diego Plane Crash on Anniversary

Daniel Williams, the former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears…
Police officer with two children outside a house.

Tragic Development in ‘House of Horrors’ Case: 3 Children Held Captive for 4 Years by ‘Germaphobe’ Parents

THREE children locked in a “house of horrors” by their parents for…
Headshot of Carmen.

I’m a Target with a £100k Bounty: Living in Fear of Ruthless Regime’s Pursuit

ON CHRISTMAS Eve last year, Carmen Lau woke up to find she…
Cannes Film Festival: Palme d'Or awarded to Iranian filmmaker

Iranian Filmmaker Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival

he closing ceremony got underway Saturday after a major power outage struck…