Madeleine McCann’s parents ‘still haunted’ by fears she’s suffering as they mark 13yrs since disappearance in lockdown
THE parents of Madeleine McCann say they are "still haunted" by thoughts their daughter could be suffering - 13 years after she disappeared.
Kate and Gerry McCann were due to mark the anniversary of their daughter's disappearance with a prayer gathering on Sunday, but lockdown measures mean they will hold an online service instead.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Sharing a message online, Kate and Gerry likened Maddie’s experience to victims hit by the Covid-19 crisis - fear, hurt and loneliness.
They wrote: "There will be many vulnerable people whose situation will have become even more precarious in the current lockdown conditions, with fear, worry and isolation - emotions that we dreaded Madeleine experiencing and which haunted us for a long time - and still do on occasions.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering at this time."
Heart doctor Gerry, 51, and ex GP turned medical worker Kate, 52, were forced to axe the annual service they hold in memory of Maddie for the first time this year.
But are still urging local villagers and well-wishers to come together remotely to mark the poignant occasion.
The family are due to share prayers and readings online as they spend the anniversary behind closed doors at their home in Rothley, Leics.
13 YEARS ON
Writing on the Find Maddie and Facebook Campaign websites, they said: "It is now 13 years since we were last with Madeleine.
"Her 17th birthday is to follow in the next couple of weeks - the latter tangibly, painfully, bringing it home to us what we have missed and continue to miss as a family.
“I don't think any of us could have predicted the situation we all find ourselves in currently.
"It shows how easy it is to become complacent with our lives and circumstances, albeit a totally normal and understandable, human characteristic."
'MADE US THINK ABOUT MADDIE'
Alongside an iconic photo of Maddie, they wrote: "We have been fortunate to spend more time together as a family since lockdown began, an enforced block to a usually frenetic life, a silver lining to this dark cloud.
"It has made us think about Madeleine even more, as she would have shared this period of special closeness with us too.”
It comes as Scotland Yard vows to continue the search for Maddie with renewed funds expected to be approved by the Home Office.
Kate and Gerry added: "The investigation to find Madeleine remains open and continues, even though, in a way different to the ideal.
"We remain grateful for the ongoing efforts and commitment from all those involved in the search to find her and we hope and pray, as always, that our efforts will be fruitful.”
Thanking those who have supported them, the McCann’s said: "Thank you to everyone still offering their support and good wishes for Madeleine and ourselves.
"Such solidarity continues to strengthen us. Thank you.
"Please take care and please spare a thought or prayer for Madeleine and all missing children this weekend.
"Here's hoping that more 'normal', safe and happy times are close at hand."
Three-year-old Maddie vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal’s Praia da Luz on May 03, 2007.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.