Madeleine McCann: Family hope for Christmas miracle

Dec 17 2007 by Jessica Shaughnessy, Liverpool Daily Post

MADELEINE McCANN’S parents have spoken of her twin siblings’ desperate hope Santa will bring their big sister home for Christmas.

Kate and Gerry McCann face their first Christmas without their oldest daughter, but have vowed to try and make the festivities as normal as possible for little Sean and Amelie.

They revealed it broke their hearts when the two-year-olds asked if Father Christmas will return Madeleine to them.

Speaking to a national newspaper, the McCanns said they are still convinced Maddie is alive and are praying for a Christmas miracle.

They said: “Celebrating is the last thing we feel like doing, but we want Christmas to be as normal for Sean and Amelie as possible.

“They both seem to understand they will be getting presents from Santa, but have also asked if Santa will be bringing Madeleine home, which just about broke our hearts.

“Madeleine's return would obviously be the ultimate present for all of us, and would bring tremendous joy to people all over the world.”

The coming weeks will be a testing time for the two doctors, whose lives have been on hold since Madeleine vanished from their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, just days before her fourth birthday.

The McCanns revealed Sean and Amelie have helped decorate the Christmas tree at the family home in Rothley, Leicestershire.

And the family have even bought presents for Madeleine in the desperate hope she will be home to unwrap them on Christmas Day.

They have been placed next to Sean and Amelie's gifts underneath the tree, and will be kept unopened for her.

The couple has still not decided where to spend Christmas Day. They fear happy memories at the family home may prove to much and it is possible they will spend it at a relatives.

Wherever they will be, they will be supported by close family members, including Kate’s Liverpool parents, Susan and Brian Healy.

Mr Healy spoke of his memories of last Christmas. He said: “Madeleine loves this time of year and on the big day her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

“I will never forget how happy the whole family was last year as we watched the three children play so blissfully together.

“Now it just seems so far away and we had no idea how much things would change. It was one of our happiest Christmases ever.

“That’s why we are determined to buy her presents just like we have always done.”

The family have appealed for anyone with information about Maddie’s disappearance to contact their team of private investigators on 0034 902 300 213.

jessicashaughnessy