Madeleine McCann: Grandparents say they couldn't have coped without support of Liverpool

May 3 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A year after the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Liza Williams and Laura Sharpe talk to her family about their nightmare ordeal

ON the one year anniversary of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, her grandparents have today thanked the people of Merseyside for their support.

Speaking from her home in Mossley Hill, Susan Healy said she was still approached by people in the street offering kind words to her and Kate and Gerry. And last night family friend Father Paul Seddon – the priest who married Kate and Gerry – said the last year has very difficult without his “little friend” Madeleine.

Mrs Healy said: “We are grateful for all the support across the country but especially from Merseyside.

“Support from Merseyside has really helped Kate and Gerry to carry on.

“They are both so determined to find Madeleine and that’s why they’ve been doing so many media appearances.

“Kate doesn’t like being in the limelight but there isn’t any other way of doing it.

“Composing herself is very difficult and we’re full of admiration for both of them. Their determination to find Madeleine is driving them forward.”

She added: “I’m approached by people across Merseyside day after day saying they are thinking about us and praying for us. Kate and Gerry know they can’t give up because people might forget Madeleine is out there.”

Madeleine’s Fund, a not-for-profit company, has raised over £1m to find the missing four-year-old and support her family.

Mrs Healy added: “We’re not doing any sort of fundraising because it’s hard to keep asking people to donate, but I would ask anyone who wants to donate to do so.

“If we’re fortunate enough to find Madeleine any money left will go to missing children because it can’t be established as a charity for one child.

“We keep trying to concentrate our efforts on finding Madeleine, but we’re proud of the work Kate and Gerry have done and are trying to do.

“They have been trying to get the Amber alert system which will benefit children but it has also helped them channel their grief.”

She added: “We are grateful for everyone’s support and have launched an investigation line which I hope anyone with any information will call.

“It’s an anonymous line on 0845 838 4699.”

Father Seddon, who also baptised Madeleine, will be speaking at a special mass for her tonight.

He said speculation over the four-year-old’s disappearance has been very “hurtful” for all who know the McCanns, but the family friend of 12 years thinks the couple have remained strong for their children, and urged people to keep faith in the campaign to find her.

The special mass will start at 6.30pm at Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eton, in Childwall, the parish church of Mr and Mrs Healy and the place Kate and Gerry were married.

Father Seddon said: “We are devoting the service to Madeleine and all the children who missing in the world.

“I will be saying a few words for her and in support of Kate and Gerry.

“I am their friend and have known them for 12 years, so of course it is incredibly difficult to see what they are going through and speculation is hurtful for everyone that knows them.

“You can only imagine their agony but they are supporting each other and caring for their children.

“It is very important to keep on supporting the campaign– not just for Madeleine but for other missing children and this is why Kate and Gerry have been pushing for the European wide system.”

THE mass will be taken by parish priest Father Des Keegan and will be attended by friends, family and anyone else who wants to pray for Madeleine.

Father Seddon added: “She is one of our little friends and she is missing – it is heart breaking.

“The hope is still there.”

Grandparents Susan and Brian have urged people to come along.

Mrs Healy said “Everyone is welcome. It will be a mass for Madeleine, with special prayers and songs. I think the readings will be done by children.

“We don’t care if the church is packed, we will squash everyone in.”

Kate and Gerry are expected to spend today at home in Rothley, Leicestershire, with their three-year-old twins, Sean and Amelie.

lizawilliams