Kate and Gerry McCann have spoken of their plans to mark another painful milestone of their daughter's disappearance. On Saturday, it will be six months since Madeleine, then three, vanished from her bed in Portugal.The couple have accompanied previous milestones with high-profile events like balloon launches. But they plan to mark the day quietly with a small service at the weekend in their village church in Rothley in Leicestershire.
Gerry McCann wrote in his internet blog: "We will be marking this milestone very quietly with an ecumenical prayer service for Madeleine and other missing children in the local Anglican church."
He explained: "The last couple of days have been hard for Kate and I. We have had a lot of 'family time' and despite the pleasure of seeing Sean and Amelie having fun, Madeleine's absence was very much tangible. We were, however, bucked up somewhat after opening lots of mail, which was incredibly supportive and uplifting. We would like to pass on our sincere thanks once more to everyone who is supporting us."
Mr McCann added: "Despite sadness and despair at our own situation, it is heart wrenching to hear of tragedies affecting other families close to home this week."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them." (Sky News)