Gerry's Virgin Active London Triathlon 2013 page (final figure)

Gerry's Virgin Active London Triathlon 2013 page

Gerry's Virgin Active London Triathlon 2013 page

Gerry's Virgin Active London Triathlon 2013 page JustGiving Gerry's Virgin Active London Triathlon 2013 page Gerry McCann My story While witnessing Kate train for the London Marathon on behalf of the charity Missing People, I decided maybe I could set myself a challenge and help in some way too. It didn't take Kate long to organise my entry for the Virgin London Triathlon!! Although a pretty onerous event, it's a challenge which I know will be far less than that of being a parent of a missing child. The charity, Missing People, works incredibly hard to help missing children and adults and to support their families - a lifeline for many in this nightmarish situation. By participating in the London Triathlon I hope to play a part in helping the charity and the valuable work it does. I am very grateful for your sponsorship which will make a big difference to those who are missing and their families living this painful limbo. Thank you very much for your support.

Gerry McCann will be competing in the Virgin Active London Triathlon for us

Gerry McCann will be competing in the Virgin Active London Triathlon for us Missing People Missing People website announcement To sponsor Gerry’s triathlon visit http://www.justgiving.com/gerry-McCann1 or text GERR55 with the amount £5 to 70070. Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine was abducted in Portugal in 2007, is to take part in the Virgin Active London Olympic Distance Triathlon on Sunday 28 July to raise vital funds for the charity Missing People. The Virgin Active London Triathlon is the world's biggest triathlon. Combining a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and finishing with a 10km run, the course is punctuated by some of the capital's most famous landmarks. Gerry is aiming to raise £4,000 for Missing People, which offers a lifeline when someone disappears. He said: "While witnessing Kate train for the London Marathon this year, I decided maybe I could set myself a challenge and help in some way too. It didn't take Kate long to organise my entry for the Virgin London Triathlon!" "Although a pretty onerous event, it's a challenge which I know will be far less than that of being a parent of a missing child. The charity, Missing People, works incredibly hard to help missing children and adults and to support their families - a lifeline for many in this nightmarish situation. By participating in the London Triathlon I hope to play a part in helping the charity and the valuable work it does." Missing People Chief Executive Jo Youle said: "We're enormously grateful to Gerry who is taking on this this huge challenge, to offer a lifeline to the 250,000 people who go missing every year and their loved ones left behind. It is quite simply a phenomenal thing to do and will enable us to offer a lifeline to even more families of missing children and vulnerable adults." To sponsor Gerry's triathlon visit http://www.justgiving.com/gerry-McCann1 or text GERR55 with the amount £5 to 70070.

Race will be tri-ing for Gerry McCann, 21 July 2013

Race will be tri-ing for Gerry McCann Daily Star GERRY McCANN is taking part in the London ­Triathlon to raise money for the charity Missing ­People. By Daily Star reporter / Published 21st July 2013 Madeleine's superfit dad said: "It's a challenge which I know will be far less than that of being a parent of a missing child." Heart specialist Gerry, 45, said: "The charity Missing People works incredibly hard to help missing ­children and adults and to support their families. It's a lifeline in this nightmarish situation." Maddie vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz in May 2007 shortly before her fourth birthday. Her mum Kate, 45, an ­ambassador for the charity, raised nearly £22,000 when she completed the London Marathon in April. Gerry said: "While Kate trained for the marathon I decided I could set myself a challenge and help too. It didn't take Kate long to ­organise my entry for the Virgin London Triathlon!" Gerry, from Rothley, Leics, hopes to raise £4,000. Kate and eight-year-old twins Sean and Amelie will cheer him on during Saturday's 400m swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run. The couple have been buoyed by Scotland Yard's own probe into the Maddie mystery. It wants to quiz 38 suspects across Europe.

Madeleine father in charity triathlon bid, 24 July 2013

Madeleine father in charity triathlon bid Herald Scotland Wednesday 24 July 2013 THE father of Madeleine McCann will compete in a triathlon this weekend in aid of a charity which supports family and friends of missing people. Gerry McCann, whose daughter, then three, went missing six years ago in Portugal, will take part in the Virgin Active London Olympic Distance Triathlon on Sunday to raise funds for the charity Missing People. It will see him complete a 1.5k swim, 40km cycle and finish with a 10km run. His wife Kate raised nearly £22,000 when she completed the London Marathon in April for the charity. Madeleine disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3 2007, shortly before her fourth birthday. Ahead of this weekend's challenge, Mr McCann, originally from Glasgow, said: "Although a pretty onerous event, it's a challenge which I know will be far less than that of being a parent of a missing child. "I hope to play a part in helping the charity and the valuable work it does."

Running for Maddie, 24 July 2013

Running for Maddie ITV Daybreak Published: Wed, 24 Jul, 2013 Gerry McCann joins us to talk about his planned triathlon to help others like him who have had family members go missing. The father of Madeleine McCann will compete this weekend in aid of a charity which supports family and friends of missing people. Three-year-old Maddie went missing six years ago in Portugal. Gerry will take part in the Virgin Active London Olympic Distance Triathlon on Sunday to raise funds for the charity Missing People. Transcript By Nigel Moore Kate Garraway: Now, earlier this month Scotland Yard announced that after six years they were to launch a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Andy Redwood: [archive footage] Over the last two years the review has told me is that there is no clear definitive proof that Madeleine McCann is dead, and so on that basis I still genuinely believe that there is a possibility that she's alive. Aled Jones: Well, Madeleine's father Gerry joins us now. Good morning to you, great to see you. How important is this new development for you as a family? Gerry McCann: I think it is a big step forward, I think the most important thing is for the first time the authorities are actively investigating and, errr... we have been delighted with the work that the Met have been doing over the last couple of years and many of the things that we campaigned for; to get the ca... to get the review in the first place, have, you know, come to fruition. We knew there were lots and lots of leads that need followed up, so it is very important to us, naturally. Aled Jones: We heard from the Detective Chief Inspector there saying there's a chance Madeleine is alive. Errr... you've had your hopes raised and dashed so many times over the last six years, is it different this time? Gerry McCann: Well, Aled, not a day goes by where we obviously don't think about Madeleine and, just what Andy Redwood said there, I'm sure every single parent would agree with that; that you are not going to accept that your child's dead unless there's absolutely conclusive proof of that. So we have always lived in the hope that we could find Madeleine, and given the number of cases of children and, errr... who have been taken and found many years later, there is real hope. We... and unfortunately for us, I think the... the biggest problem is going to be that we won't know what's happened to Madeleine until we find who is responsible. Kate Garraway: Because the temptation must be, I would have thought, to be on the phone all the time to Scotland Yard, saying: 'What have you found? What are you doing?'   Gerry McCann: Yeah... Kate Garraway: It must be very hard to step back. Gerry McCann: No, I... I mean we've very much kept an even keel, errr... throughout it, it has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, errr... I think we have conditioned ourselves to staying pretty much on the level. There are ups and downs, as you say, but we know they're doing excellent work, incredibly thorough, errr... review, you know, real expert teams. So, we are very much putting the investigation in their hands and letting them get on with it and... and it's taken a tremendous amount of pressure off us as a family, errr... to have that support now and... and to know that people are now actively looking Aled Jones: And the support of the general public as well Gerry McCann: Well, we've had that all the way through and, errr... you know, we... I'm... we wouldn't be here now if we hadn't had that support, and it is so important that, you know, it's part of why I am doing the triathlon on... on Sunday for Missing People to help support other families. Kate Garraway: And... and Kate, of course, did the marathon didn't she? Which got... raised a lot of money. Gerry McCann: Yeah, she did, £21,000! I think she'll put me in the shade there but, errm... I mean, Kate's training and... and how dedicated she was to it... it has inspired me actually. She's got really, really fit. Kate Garraway: Did she train harder than you? Gerry McCann: Errm... She certainly trained harder and I can't quite keep up with her anymore. Aled Jones: You've got three disciplines, of course, you've go the 1.5 kilometres swim, 40 kilometres cycle ride and then just... just at the end a 10 k run as well. Gerry McCann: Yeah, I mean, I've always done a little bit of running and cycling over the last few years but I don't swim very much and I've had to train really quite hard because the prospect of swimming nearly a mile in the Thames is quite daunting actually. So... Kate Garraway: I know. Gerry McCann: So... Kate Garraway: And it must be rewarding to do something so physically practical as well. Gerry McCann: Yeah, I mean, I have... I have trained hard and, errr... fitting it in around work obviously, training sometimes early in the morning and, errr... after work and doing double sessions which, errr... the... some friends actually got me a triathlon magazine so I've been reading all these training things but I think the swimming, errm... I've had to train really hard for and I've gone from doing next to nothing to quite a lot now and putting up with doing three disciplines has been hard, but injury wise it means I have managed to struggle through. Kate Garraway: Oh well, best of luck. Aled Jones: And it's for Missing people, as well, of course... a great cause. All the best to you... Gerry Mccann: Thanks. Aled Jones: ...especially with the swim. I think once you've done that you'll be fine.

Daybreak: Madeleine McCann search intensifies, 24 July 2013

Daybreak: Madeleine McCann search intensifies Yahoo! TV Father appears on Daybreak to discuss new efforts from CPS By Christopher Morris | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 24-07-2013 08:56 Yahoo! Contributor Network - Today's 'Daybreak' Today's 'Daybreak' featured an exclusive interview with a man who has become used to being part of news programmes over the last six years, since his daughter disappeared in Praia da Luz in 2007. Gerry McCann was on the 'Daybreak' sofa to discuss new attempts by police to search for his daughter Madeleine, who has not been seen by either him or his wife since holidaying in Portugal some six years ago. According to McCann, British police have approached the Portugese authorities to request permission to involve themselves in the search for the disappearing child, who would now be nine years-old if found. The Crown Prosecution Service has apparently written to Portuguese judges asking for permission for a team of individuals affiliated with the service to gather evidence, under the auspices of local Portugese police. While one doesn't wish to trivialise this issue, and of course the family wish for some form of closure on the matter, the chances of finding Madeleine alive today and living in Portgual must be incredibly remote. It's very hard to believe that any would be kidnappers would still be living in Portgual at this time, and it has to be said, morbid that it is, that the best case scenario for this search would probably be finding a dead body. Nonetheless, the efforts of the McCanns to locate their daughter go on, and the assistance of the British authorities will no doubt be of some value to them in this endeavour. Elsewhere, 'Daybreak' also discussed the remarkable case of Shrien Dewani, a 33 year-old man who has been accused of plotting the death of his wife while they were honeymooning in South Africa. Dewani has been confined to a local psychiatric hospital in his home city of Bristol, but medical experts have now ruled that he is healthy enough to return to South Africa on extradition to face charges that he hired a local taxi driver and two others to carjack the couple and kill his wife. It's very hard to know the rights and wrongs of this issue, but no-one can doubt that Dewani has suffered, considering he had to cope with severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after the murder of his wife, and was widely considered a suicide risk. Of course, this won't count for much if most people's eyes if he is found guilty of conspiring to have his wife murdered, but it is a cloudy and complex case indeed, especially in a country in which so many car jackings take place.

The twins are eight ... they are always supervised but in the next couple of years they will have to have freedom, 25 July 2013

The twins are eight ... they are always supervised but in the next couple of years they will have to have freedom The Sun - Says Gerry McCann ahead of triathlon for Missing People charity Driven ... Gerry McCann pounds the pavements in 10k run last year EXCLUSIVE By ANTONELLA LAZZERI Published: 25th July 2013 GERRY McCANN is gearing up for one of the most gruelling physical challenges of his life. On Sunday, he will be competing in the Virgin Active London Triathlon — the biggest in the world. Tackling the Olympic race, he will swim 1,500m, cycle 40km and run 10km to raise money for the charity Missing People. Cheering him on will be his wife Kate and their eight-year-old twins, Amelie and Sean — who are so excited by it they have even been "helping" their dad in his training. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Gerry, 45, reveals: "The twins think it's great. They are good swimmers themselves — they've been doing a little bit of cycling and running. "When we were on holiday in Cornwall recently, we went out for a really nice cycle together and I sometimes take them running." That holiday was part of Kate and Gerry's efforts to keep the twins' lives as normal as possible. Complete ... the McCanns before Madeleine's abduction Their big sister Madeleine has now been missing for more than six years. She was abducted from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. The twins can't be closeted The twins know exactly why their dad is competing in Sunday's triathlon and why he is raising money for Missing People. But Gerry and Kate are at pains to ensure Sean and Amelie never feel overlooked or over-protected because of their tireless search for Madeleine. Gerry says: "They talk about Madeleine all the time, that hasn't changed. They talk about her regularly and draw pictures of her and talk about finding her. "There's not a day goes by when we don't think about Madeleine, miss her in some way, and obviously wonder where she is and what's happened to her. "We kinda have that all the time, but we've sort of adapted in many ways, and life seems pretty normal most of the time. "Working hard and doing all the family things with the kids is important. I've been pretty adamant that we have got to let them develop and they can't be closeted. Exclusive ... Sun feature writer Antonella Lazzeri meets Gerry McCann "I know, for us, there is increased anxiety but we can't let that impact on them having a normal upbringing. Obviously it will get harder. They are eight now so they are always supervised, but in the next couple of years it will be different. "Little things — we were at the hotel and they said, 'I will go and do it and go to reception and ask for something'. And you've got to let them. In a secure environment, obviously appropriate for their age. "For any parent it's a difficult thing, how far that envelope stretches into what they want to do and what they think they are capable of. It's important they do get the level of freedom appropriate, but it is a difficult balance." He adds: "I think we are managing OK. The holiday in Cornwall was lovely. "We have another week's holiday planned in the UK. And Kate has got a couple of days camping with the twins with a friend and their kids. "We've been abroad with the twins as well, to France. Search continues Gerry and Kate McCann hold artist's impression of how Maddie might look at age nine "You've got to keep doing things that a normal family would do." Cardiac specialist Gerry has spent months training for the triathlon. He says: "Kate's been very supportive, getting up early for long cycle rides in the morning and at weekends." As well as raising funds for Missing People, he hopes to shed more light on the charity. He says: "Missing People offer a lifeline to families who have missing children, or vulnerable adults. We know more than anybody how important support is to get you through when a loved family member goes missing. "The charity is there to provide that support in the form of someone to talk to, a helpline, offering a counselling service. "For a lot of people it might be the only search they have for their loved one — the charity producing posters, keeping awareness going. Still missing ... Maddie disappeared six years ago, aged three "We recognise that, although no one would ever want to be in our shoes in some respects, we've been fortunate for the support we've had. And obviously we had counselling very early on which was really, really important in helping us cope. "But for most people whose kids go missing, that level of support isn't there. "Lots of kids go missing and are missing for short periods, but there are literally hundreds who go missing for substantial periods of time. "A lot of them are extremely vulnerable and are prone to abuse when they are missing. And for the families left behind it can be devastating, absolutely devastating. "The not knowing — something we have had to cope with — in itself is something that eats away at you." Kate, 45, who is an ambassador for Missing People, raised £22,000 for the charity by running the London Marathon earlier this year. Her amazing achievement prompted Gerry to take part in the triathlon. He says: "She inspired me to do a challenge — a real challenge. "The swimming is the most daunting. I've never done open water swimming — you can't just grab the side of the pool when you are tired. The bike generally is OK — the biggest problem for me is getting out of the wetsuit! "It's so tight. I said to Kate there's a danger I might actually have to cycle in it." Inspiring ... Kate McCann has run several events for charity The McCanns have been boosted by the Metropolitan Police Review into Madeleine's abduction. Scotland Yard launched a new investigation and have 38 potential suspects. Gerry says of the Met review: "It has taken a huge amount of pressure off us. And the fact that they are actively investigating is a huge step forward. "They have been incredibly thorough. You have got all that expertise and resources directed into finding Madeleine and finding who's responsible. We always knew there were lots of leads that needed following up. "As long as they are making progress, that is the most important thing. Madeleine is a missing British subject and incredibly vulnerable. We are hoping she is still out there." Since Madeleine's abduction Kate and Gerry have also worked closely with CEOP — the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To sponsor Gerry please go to http://www.justgiving.com/gerry-McCann1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gerry praises CEOP's recent report on child abduction and welcomes David Cameron call for internet giants to rid the web of child abuse images. The Prime Minister was speaking after meeting the parents of April Jones and Tia Sharpe — both murdered by men who had searched the internet for extreme porn and child abuse. The Sun has been running the Fight For April campaign to make internet giants clean up their act. Gerry says: "We do need to be pro-active. The initiative online that the Prime Minister announced the other day is fine, but it's a small step. I'm not an expert, but clearly there is an association between people who access child porn and go on to abuse children, and that needs to be taken seriously. "We are moving in the right direction but there is a long way to go." Talking about Sunday, he says he is relishing the triathlon challenge. He says: "I'm hoping it's not going to be this hot, I'm worried about collapsing. But I'm feeling confident and having Kate and the twins there cheering me on will help enormously."

Gerry shows he needs us, 28 July 2013

Gerry shows he needs us Sunday Mirror (paper edition) By Carole Malone Sunday 28 July 2013 Gerry McCann says he and his wife Kate try to keep the lives of their twins, eight-year-old Amelie and Sean, "as normal as possible". Which seems at odds with his decision last week to do a big "exclusive" interview with a tabloid newspaper. Even more odd that Gerry, a leading light in the Hacked-Off campaign, should choose to talk to papers in this particular branch of the media considering his claims that his family have been hounded and vilified by them Even so he and his wife Kate never seem to miss an opportunity to court publicity when they need to raise money. This time it's because Gerry is taking part in the Virgin Active London Triathlon which is raising money for the Missing People charity. Did the newspaper involved make a donation to the charity? If so, is Gerry McCann right to take money from newspapers he claims have caused his family distress? Is it not hypocrisy to ask people, through those newspapers, to sponsor him and give money? And while I understand why he wants to raise cash for Missing People it would be nice if at some point Gerry McCann acknowledged the media's positive role in keeping the hunt for Madeleine in the news. Yes certain newspapers acted shamefully but the McCanns were compensated to the tune of £550,000 for that. But the majority are - and always have been - on their side. And without the support of the media, without the constant stream of stories about the hunt for Madeleine the much needed funds to help find her would have dried up years ago.

Madeleine's father in charity race, 28 July 2013

Madeleine's father in charity race The Press Association 28-07-2013 13:11 Press Association - Gerry McCann prepares to take part in a 1500 metre swim for the Virgin Active London Triathlon Gerry McCann, the father of the missing schoolgirl Madeleine McCann, has completed a gruelling race to raise money for charity. The doctor, whose daughter was almost four when she disappeared in Portugal in May 2007, described the Virgin Active London Triathlon as "incredibly hard", but said he drew strength from supporting Missing People. Madeleine went missing from her family's holiday flat in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz, as her parents dined out with friends at a nearby restaurant. Mr McCann, of Rothley, Leicestershire, finished the course of swimming, cycling and running in under two-and-a-half hours. He said: "It was incredibly hard, especially the bike. But taking part in the triathlon was an amazing and emotional experience. "What kept me going is the thought of being able to help the charity Missing People support other families living with the very different pain of having a missing loved one. "A huge huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me. Every step I took, every push on the pedal and every stroke I swam I did to help families of missing people." Mr McCann wore a white swimming cap and a wetsuit for the 1,500m swim in London's Royal Victoria Dock, before cycling and running in a black and green costume. Madeleine's father in charity race Belfast Telegraph Gerry McCann (wearing white cap) waits with other swimmers to start the 1500 metre swim for the Virgin Active London Triathlon 28 JULY 2013 [Press Association report, same as above]

Gerry McCann completes charity triathlon, 28 July 2013

Gerry McCann completes charity triathlon ITV Central 3:27PM, SUN 28 JUL 2013 Last updated Sun 28 Jul 2013 The father of missing girl Madeleine McCann has finished the Virgin Active London Olympic Distance Triathlon. Gerry McCann, from Rothley in Leicestershire, completed the charity race, which includes a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run in under two and a half hours. He was raising money for a charity that helps the family and friends of missing people. "It was incredibly hard, especially the bike. But taking part in the triathlon was an amazing and emotional experience. What kept me going is the thought of being able to help the charity, 'Missing People', support other families living with the very different pain of having a missing loved one. A huge, huge thank-you to everyone who sponsored me. Every step I took, every push on the pedal and every stroke I swam I did to help families of missing people." - GERRY MCCANN

Madeleine's dad in race to aid families missing loved ones, 29 July 2013

Madeleine's dad in race to aid families missing loved ones Daily Express MADELEINE McCann's father Gerry completed a gruelling race yesterday in aid of a charity that helps families of missing people. By: Giles Sheldrick Published: Mon, July 29, 2013 The doctor, whose daughter was three when she disappeared in Portugal in May 2007, completed the Virgin Active London Triathlon. Gerry, 45, of Rothley, Leicestershire, finished the Olympics-standard swim, cycle ride and run in an impressive time of under two-and-a-half hours. "It was incredibly hard," he said. "Huge thanks to everyone who sponsored me. Every step, push and stroke I did was to help the families of missing people."

Ordeal of Maddie's dad Gerry, 29 July 2013

Ordeal of Maddie's dad Gerry Daily Star (paper edition) Gerry McCann target of troll abuse Daily Star VILE internet trolls hit out at Madeleine McCann’s dad for competing in a race to raise funds for missing people By Jerry Lawton / Published 29th July 2013 They posted evil messages on his Just Giving webpage, which the public used to pledge cash for Gerry's efforts in the London Triathlon yesterday. The heart specialist, whose daughter vanished from the family's Portuguese holiday apartment in 2007, raised nearly £8,000 for charity Missing People. But before Gerry, 45, set out on the 40km cycle, 10km run and 1.5km swim, two trolls posted defamatory comments about him – even though it cost them £2 in donations to leave the messages. Gerry, who spent weeks training for the event, said after the triathlon: "It was incredibly hard, especially the bike. "What kept me going was the thought of being able to help the charity Missing People support other families living with the very ­different pain of having a missing loved one. "A huge, huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me." The trolls struck three months after another threatened to gun down Gerry's wife Kate, 45, as she ran the London Marathon in aid of the same charity. The former GP ignored the threats and raised £21,000 with her run. Yet more abuse surfaced on Facebook earlier this month after the Met police announced they were opening their own investigation into Maddie’s case. The probe, led by Det Chief Insp Andy Redwood, has identified 38 potential suspects. The family's spokesman Clarence Mitchell described the trolls' comments on JustGiving as "rude". He added: "These people are abusing a charity page. "The posts are not worthy of any further comment."

Madeleine McCann's dad completes triathlon to raise money for charity that supports families of missing people, 29 July 2013

Madeleine McCann's dad completes triathlon to raise money for charity that supports families of missing people Daily Record By Dailyrecord.co.uk 29 Jul 2013 09:14 GERRY McCann hopes to raise thousands of pounds by taking part in the Virgin Active London Triathlon. MADELEINE McCann's father has completed a gruelling triathlon to raise thousands of pounds for a charity who support the families of missing people. Gerry McCann finished yesterday's race, which consisted of a 1500m swim, followed by a 40km cycle and a 10km run, in less than two-and-a-half hours. After completing the Virgin Active London Triathlon, he said he drew strength from supporting the charity's work when the going got tough. Gerry, who is originally from Glasgow, said: "It was incredibly hard, especially the bike. But taking part in the triathlon was an amazing and emotional experience. "What kept me going was the thought of being able to help the charity Missing People support other families living with the very different pain of having a missing loved one. "A huge, huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me. "Every step I took, every push on the pedal and every stroke I swam, I did to help families of missing people." Last night, donations on Gerry's JustGiving webpage had reached nearly £8000. The doctor, who lives in Rothley, Leicestershire, said he was inspired to do the triathlon after wife Kate raised £22,000 for Missing People by taking part in the London Marathon in April. Maddie disappeared in May 2007, just days before her fourth birthday, while the family where on holiday in Portugal.