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Original Source:
Express 12 May 2007 [Now removed from internet] |
| Saturday
May 12,2007 |
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The
father of missing Madeleine McCann has
described a "tidal wave" of devastation
wreaked by her abduction.
At a special Mass held in Portugal on
Saturday - Madeleine's fourth birthday -
Gerry McCann told villagers that he and
his wife Kate had drawn "strength, hope
and courage" from the support they had
received in Praia da Luz, across Europe
and around the world.
Speaking with emotion but determination,
he told the packed church: "We are
looking forward to the day when
Madeleine returns to us as a joyous
one."
It is the first time he has spoken at
length about the tortuous days he and
his wife have suffered as they wait for
news. He told the congregation at the
tiny 16th century church of Nossa
Senhora da Luz: "Today we should be
celebrating the fourth birthday of our
daughter Madeleine. Instead we have had
to remember what a normal, beautiful,
vivacious, funny, courageous and loving
little girl that we are missing today.
"I like to think about the effects of
Madeleine's abduction from us nine days
ago like a tidal wave. The devastation -
which was tremendous - was greatest for
Kate and I."
The couple were showered with kisses,
hugs and flowers as members of the
congregation queued to greet them at the
end of the service. His wife, who in
recent days has appeared increasingly
drawn, smiled as scores of villagers
lined up to kiss her on each cheek.
Among the presents which had been left
at the front of the church before the
service were a yellow fluffy duck, a
multi-coloured striped handbag and a
fluffy pink flower with a yellow smiling
face.
The McCanns had spent much of the
anniversary in private and away from the
ill-fated Algarve complex from where
their daughter vanished nine days ago.
Meanwhile, as messages of support
continued to flood in, a reward of £1.5
million was offered for information
leading to Madeleine's safe return.
Stars including author JK Rowling,
footballer Wayne Rooney and music mogul
Simon Cowell all contributed to the
fund. The Harry Potter writer pledged
the largest single amount, although the
figure has not been revealed, while
Cowell pledged £50,000 and Rooney,
together with his fiancee Coleen
McLoughlin, offered £25,000.
Among the others pledging money to the
fund were business leaders like Sir
Richard Branson (£100,000), retailer Sir
Philip Green (£250,000) and Everton
chairman Bill Kenwright (amount not
disclosed). Mr Kenwright told the News
of the World, which announced the
reward: "If it helps towards the reunion
it will be the best cheque I've ever
written."
The group offer is in addition to
rewards of £1 million already made by a
Scottish businessman and £100,000 from a
colleague of Kate McCann. But despite
the massive rewards being offered for
information which results in Madeleine's
safe return, there remains no evidence
of firm leads. |
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