Madeleine McCann’s parents Kate and Gerry reveal heartache at missing Maddie as 10th anniversary approaches and brands it ‘a horrible marker of stolen time’
They also thanked the 'quiet majority' for 'not giving up on Madeleine'
KATE and Gerry McCann have told of their heartache ahead of the 10th anniversary since Madeleine vanished - branding it "a horrible marker of stolen time".
They vowed to never give up the search for their daughter who went missing in Praia Da Luz in May, 2007.
Kate and Gerry also thanked the "quiet majority" for their support during their decade of pain.
In a heartfelt message written by Kate and signed from both of Maddie's parents on the campaign Facebook page, they mentioned two cases where children were abducted and found alive years later.
Kate wrote: "Ten years - there's no easy way to say it, describe it, accept it.
"I remember when Madeleine first disappeared I couldn’t even begin to consider anything in terms of years.
"Shawn Hornbeck abducted and kept hidden for over four years, Natascha Kampusch for over eight years.
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"I couldn't go there. And now here we are...Madeleine, our Madeleine - ten years.
"Most days are similar to the rest - another day. May 3rd 2017 - another day.
"But ten years - a horrible marker of time, stolen time."
The McCann's, of Rothley, Leics., thanked the public for "not giving up on Madeleine".
A poignant banner posted on the Find Maddie Facebook page ahead of next week's anniversary read: "Ten years. Still missing. Still missed. Never Forgotten".
Kate added: "The two themes that seem most appropriate to me as we reach this ten year mark are perseverance and gratitude: We will go on, try our hardest, never give up and make the best of the life we have.
"We consider ourselves immensely fortunate to have received the love, solidarity and support from so many kind and decent people over the last decade.
"There have been many challenges and low points along the way but the warmth, encouragement and positivity we have experienced from the ‘quiet majority’ has undoubtedly sustained us and maintained our faith in human goodness.
"And while that is there, there will always be hope.
"Thank you so much from all of our family."
Shawn Hornbeck was 11-years-old when he was kidnapped while riding his bike near his home in Richwoods, Missouri.
The youngster was missing for more than four years before being found in January 2007.
He had been kidnapped by Michael Devlin.
Natascha Kampusch was abducted aged 10 and was held in a secret celler in Vienna, Austria by her kidnapper Wolfgang Přiklopil for more than eight years until she escaped in August 2006.
Last week ex-Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral claimed MI5 helped cover-up Maddie's body after her parents accidentally killed her.
Meanwhile, a new theory claimed the three-year-old girl could have left the Portuguese apartment looking for her parents before being snatched.
Portuguese cops have admitted the mystery may never be solved as they blasted the case a "thorn in their side".
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