Kate and Gerry McCann, Madeleine McCann's parents, have released a heartbreaking message just over a week before their missing daughter's 18th birthday on 12th May.
The message was posted in the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook group on Monday - the 14th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance. Kate and Gerry reflected on this year being "particularly poignant" due to Madeleine's milestone birthday as well as the impact the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has had on them.
They said: "Every May is tough - a reminder of years passed, of years together lost, or stolen.
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"This year it is particularly poignant as we should be celebrating Madeleine's 18th birthday. Enough said."
Kate and Gerry thanked the police for their continued efforts in trying to find Madeleine and reiterated that they "hang on to the hope" that they will see Madeleine again. "The Covid pandemic has made this year even more difficult for many reasons but thankfully the investigation to find Madeleine and her abductor has continued.
"We hang on to the hope, however small, that we will see Madeleine again. As we have said repeatedly, we need to know what has happened to our lovely daughter, no matter what. We are grateful to the police for their continued efforts."
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Kate and Gerry ended the post by thanking the public for their continued support. "We still receive so many positive words and good wishes despite the years that have gone by. It all helps and for that we are truly grateful."
Madeleine went missing aged three while staying at the Praia da Luz in Portugal with her family including her parents and her younger brother and sister.
Last year, a convicted sex offender, Christian B, was named as the prime suspect - but he has not yet been charged for any crimes related to the Madeleine McCann case.
Featured Image Credit: PA