The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

Service held for missing British girl 10 years on in Portugal

Candles and a photograph of Madeleine McCann are placed outside the church in Praia da Luz on May 3, 2017 to mark 10 years since the British girl's mysterious disappearance in the Portuguese seaside village

On May 3, 2007, a few days before her fourth birthday, "Maddie" disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village as her parents dined with friends at a nearby restaurant, sparking one of the biggest searches of its kind in recent years.

Despite a wide range of suspects and theories about what happened, no one has ever been convicted over her disappearance.

"It's a very sad story, a very sad case and we all hope that we turn up on that. Our thoughts are with the family and with Madeleine," said English tourist Tracy, 42, who came to attend the service.

Another British tourist, Roney, 48, said: "It's important to keep Madeleine's name alive and to pay respect to a little girl who never came home."

ADVERTISEMENT

Both had previously gone to a cliff overlooking the sea to release pink balloons to mark the anniversary.

About 50 Anglicans and Catholics attended the service in the little whitewashed church where Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry McCann used to gather after their daughter vanished.

The ceremony was led by Canadian Anglican pastor Haynes Hubbard, who had officiated at the church at the time of the girl's disappearance.

An English father, James, 43, accompanied by his little daughter, paused in front of a photo of Maddie surrounded by flowers at the entrance of the church.

"I just explained to my daughter that it was a little girl who got lost about 10 years ago. I just wanted to show her the photo to explain what happened," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The McCanns, who did not attend the service in Portugal, on Sunday told the BBC they still hope to find their daughter alive.

"My hope for Madeleine being out there is no less than it was almost 10 years ago," said her mother.

The McCanns attended a service Wednesday with about 200 people in the small town of Rothley, in central England where they live.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

Why eggs explode when put in the microwave

Why eggs explode when put in the microwave

President Ruto pens Easter message to Kenyans

President Ruto pens Easter message to Kenyans

NTSA suspends 2 popular PSV saccos with a fleet of over 200 vehicles

NTSA suspends 2 popular PSV saccos with a fleet of over 200 vehicles

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

ADVERTISEMENT