Madeleine McCann’s parents still clinging to hope ahead of poignant milestone

Madeleine was three years old when she went missing on May 3 2007 while on holiday in Portugal, and is due to turn 18 on May 12

Kate and Gerry McCann have released a statement ahead of their missing daughter’s 18th birthday (Joe Giddens/PA)

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have said they still cling to the hope of seeing their daughter again as they prepare to mark her 18th birthday.

Kate and Gerry McCann posted a statement on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign website to say the poignant milestone and the global pandemic have made this year even harder for the family.