Heartbreaking milestone: Madeleine McCann’s parents deliver emotional message on her 21st birthday

As the world marks another year since the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann, her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have released an emotional message to commemorate their daughter’s 21st birthday.

Maddie went missing from her bed at a resort while holidaying with her parents in Portugal on May 3, 2007. The case of the then three-year-old’s disappearance attracted considerable global attention.

As Kate and Gerry McCann hold out hope that their daughter is still out there somewhere, the couple has expressed the heartbreak that has plagued them since that fateful day in 2007 as they mark another milestone without their beloved daughter.

“Happy 21st Birthday Madeleine. Still missing. Still missed. Still looking,” the couple wrote on the Find Madeleine McCann Campaign Facebook page.

The McCanns’ message struck a chord with many, who have joined in their sorrow while maintaining hope for Madeleine’s safe return. Comments flooded in, offering support and prayers for the family.

“Forever hoping and praying that Madeleine will be returned to her loving family … Happy Birthday sweet Madeleine xx,” one person wrote.

“Still in our thoughts, still in our search, still holding you close to us all. Happy 21st x.”

“Wishing you a happy 21st birthday Madeleine, let’s hope & pray that this is the year you are found safe & well,” commented another.

“God bless you. Where ever you are x.”

The birthday message follows shortly after the McCanns marked the 17th anniversary of Maddie’s disappearance, delivering a heartbreaking message to recognise the solemn occasion on Facebook earlier this month.

“It’s 17 years since Madeleine was taken from us. It’s hard to even say that number without shaking our heads in disbelief,” they wrote.

“Whilst we are fortunate in many ways and able to live a relatively normal and enjoyable life now, the ‘living in limbo’ is still very unsettling. And the absence still aches.”

Amid their sorrow, Kate and Gerry find solace in the unwavering support of well-wishers and the enduring hope for Madeleine’s safe return.

“Your support continues to encourage us and bolsters our strength to keep going. We know the love and hope for Madeleine and the will to find her, even after so many years, remains, and we are truly thankful for that,” they said.

“Thank you again for remembering Madeleine and all missing children.”

The McCanns’ message serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing plight of missing children and the enduring love of parents who refuse to give up hope.

As Madeleine McCann’s 21st birthday passes, the world joins her family in holding onto the belief that one day, she will be found and reunited with those who cherish her most.