Madeleine McCann six months on: Gran speaks of pain

Nov 3 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

KATE McCANN is struggling to come to terms with the fact she has still not been reunited with her “beloved Madeleine” six months after her daughter’s disappearance.

Last night her mother, Susan Healy, said that yesterday's grim anniversary had hit her daughter hard, and she was praying she would get through it.

Speaking from her home in Mossley Hill, an emotional Mrs Healy said Liverpool-born Kate and husband Gerry had never expected to be without the four-year-old for so long and every milestone they reached proved increasingly difficult.

The McCanns marked the anniversary by attending a special prayer service at the Anglican parish church in their home town of Rothley, Leicestershire.

Mrs Healy said she was hoping the strength and support of those who attend the service and of family and friends would pull her daughter through.

She said: “This six-month milestone feels like it has special significance for us all – we all fear we will never get her back now.

“We never thought we would ever go six months without seeing Madeleine and here we are.

“It is very difficult for Kate. She misses her beloved Madeleine so very much.

“Hopefully, she will get through it.

“It is not going to be easy but she will get strength and support from her friends and family and from all the well-wishers who attend the service.

“We are hopeful and we are praying that we will soon be with Madeleine.”

Mrs McCann, who grew up in Anfield and Allerton, arrived at the Church of St Mary and St John at 9.30pm today for a period of special prayers for Madeleine and other missing children around the world between 9.30pm and 9.45pm. This week, new reports have emerged of sightings of toddlers matching Madeleine’s appearance in Morocco – some even report seeing a young blonde girl with Madeleine’s distinctive eye.

But, while all reports are being investigated by private detectives appointed by the McCanns, Mrs Healy said that the whole family were trying not to be swept away by speculation.

She said: “We have learnt not to have our hopes raised by sightings, as so far they have not turned out to be Madeleine.

“We try now only to deal in fact and detail, not speculation. It just isn’t helpful and you just end up disappointed.

“All we can do now is ensure that Madeleine doesn’t disappear from the front pages of the newspapers.

“We do not want to miss out on any opportunity that might help us to get her back.”

Too distraught to be interviewed, Mrs McCann, 39, last night released a statement appealing for fresh information.

She added: “Six months is such a long time for a little girl to be separated from her family.

“We believe that our Madeleine is out there somewhere and retain hope that we can be reunited.”

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