Missing Madeleine McCann's Parents Stay Hopeful On What Would've Been Her 18th Birthday, Even After 14 Years of No Answers

Madeleine McCann's parents, Kate and Gerry, lost their little girl when she was just 3 years old, while they were on a vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007.

Since then, the family has been determined to do everything in their power to find their missing girl. However, despite waiting hopefully for 14 years, the couple still has no answers to where their daughter is or who snatched her away from them in the dark. According to The Sun, the couple celebrated what would have been their daughter's 18th birthday on May 11, 2021.

Speaking to the media, the couple reiterated their need to know the whereabouts of their daughter's missing. Despite being kept in the dark for so many years, their words reflected the hope of seeing their daughter one day.

"This year it is particularly poignant as we should be celebrating Madeleine’s 18th birthday. As we have said repeatedly, we need to know what has happened to our lovely daughter, no matter what. We are very grateful to the police for their continued efforts. We hang on to the hope, however small, that we will see Madeleine again," said Kate.

The couple informed that they planned to leave birthday gifts in their daughter's room, which is filled with unopened Christmas and birthday presents since she went missing in 2007. Additionally, friends and family would gather for a small celebration at their home in Rothley, Leics. The devastated parents have also asked their extended family and friends to continue upholding Madeleine in their prayers.

“They have asked the family and supporters to remember Madeleine’s birthday quietly and to continue to hope for a definitive outcome to the continuing investigation," said Madeleine’s great-uncle Brian Kennedy.

Meanwhile, the investigation is yet to reach a definite conclusion. Christian Brueckner, a convicted pedophile and rapist, who is jailed in Germany, became the prime suspect of the case in June 2020. However, the authorities are still trying to gather evidence and hold him responsible for the crime.

At the time, Madeleine's parents stated, "All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace," according to BBC.

UK's Scotland Yard, on the other hand, stated in 2020 that they were not going to halt the missing person investigation. Their statement came after the German prosecutors said the girl is believed to be murdered.

Unfortunately, the investigation slowed down due to the pandemic. But that has not discouraged Kate and Gerry. "Despite losing a parent each, we are aware we have been more fortunate than many, with our family unit at home and jobs to go to. Understandably, the investigation to find Madeleine has been forced to slow down as a result of the pandemic. It hasn’t stopped however and the hope, energy, and determination to find her and uncover the truth remain steadfast," said the couple at the time.

They added, "We are very grateful for the continued support, especially throughout this 'rubbish' year and for all the Christmas wishes too. Thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has suffered this year. Let’s hope 2021 is a brighter, more positive one."

References:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/14924883/madeleine-mccann-parents-tribute-birthday/

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-52910472

https://www.facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign/

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by (L) Handout and (R) Miguel Villagran