Gerry's Blog/Diary - Days 151 to 200
Day 200 -19/11/2007 Monday No entry
Day 199 -18/11/2007 Sunday No entry
Day 198 -17/11/2007 Saturday No entry
Day 197 -16/11/2007 Friday No entry
Day 196 -15/11/2007 Thursday No entry
Day 195 -14/11/2007 Wednesday No entry
Day 194- 13/11/2007 Tuesday No entry
Day 193 - 12/11/2007 Monday No entry
Day 192 - 11/11/2007 Sunday No entry
Day 191 - 10/11/2007 Saturday No entry
Day 190 - 09/11/2007 Friday
BACK TO WORK
Days 190
MAIL
Days 190
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The media attention in Rothley has died down considerably with the passing of the six-month marker last weekend. The prayer service for Madeleine and other
missing children was very well attended and we found it calming, comforting and very
positive. The four churches in Rothley contributed to the service as they will be doing so again for remembrance Sunday and these events strengthen our sense of community.
No major developments to report in the last week in the search for Madeleine. There has been a good response to the launch of the helpline to find Madeleine and all the leads are being checked out and followed up where appropriate. Kate and I continue to encourage anyone who has information to phone or e-mail.
It has been a busier week for me as I have returned to work, initially on a part-time basis. The Trust have been very supportive throughout and it has been good, although difficult, to see so many friends and colleagues again. I was certainly ready to get back although we have agreed to gradually phase my
return to full-time commitments. It is also been the first week since we returned from Portugal when we have not had friends or family staying with us. Kate and I have therefore been opening all the mail ourselves and we would like to thank everyone who has offered their support and encouragement.
Day 189 - 08/11/2007 Thursday No entry
Day 188 - 07/11/2007 Wednesday
Latest Update
Helping to find Madeleine
We are pleased to recognise the independent Helping To Find Madeleine Forum (HTFM) as an affiliate of our campaign to continue in the search for Madeleine. For further information go to www.helpingtofindmadeleine.com
The advice of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is that high visibility of a missing child through posters, car stickers etc increases the chances of finding that child. The friends and family of Kate and Gerry urge everyone to please keep looking for Madeleine. Our greatest fear has always been that Madeleine would somehow be forgotten about and that our efforts to bring her back safely would run out of support. We know in our hearts that Madeleine is still out there, alive, confused and aching to be returned to her family where she belongs. Whatever happens, please don't forget that. Don't forget about Madeleine. http://www.youtube.com/user/DontYouForgetAboutMe
Day 187 - 06/11/2007 Tuesday No entry
Day 186 - 05/11/2007 Monday No entry
Day 185 - 04/11/2007 Sunday No entry
Day 184 - 03/11/2007 Saturday
PRINCESS
Day 184
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Today marks six months since Madeleine was taken from us. It is an incredibly long time for us but must be even longer for Madeleine. It is so painful for us simply being separated, but all the more distressing when we have to speculate about the situation Madeleine finds herself. We have no idea whether she is suffering but we have to hope and pray that she is being treated like a princess, as she deserves.
This afternoon there will be prayer vigils in Liverpool, Praia da Luz and many friends will be praying in Glasgow. Tonight we will be attending an ecumenical service to pray for Madeleine and other children who are suffering. There is again a lot of media presence in Rothley and the upshot is that millions of people know Madeleine is still missing and that we will not give up looking for her.
We urge anyone who may have information that might help us find Madeleine to call us on the confidential number +34 902 300 213 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +34 902 300 213 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, which is manned by private detectives in Spain or e-mail investigation@findmadeleine.com, or contact the police.
Statement from Kate McCann:
Saturday 3rd November : 6 Month Landmark
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.
Madeleine is a beautiful little person who deserves a loving and happy life. There is no doubt that the best place for her to be, to ensure this, is with her family.
We know that somebody somewhere can make this happen. That somebody, has the ability and power to bring about so much joy, as well as bring peace to themselves.
If you have any information relating to Madeleine’s disappearance or whereabouts, PLEASE, - pass it on.
0034 902 300 213 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0034 902 300 213 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Day 183 - 02/11/2007 Friday No entry
Day 182 - 01/11/2007 Thursday No entry
Day 181 - 31/10/2007 Wednesday No entry
Day 180 - 30/10/2007 Tuesday No entry
Day 179 - 29/10/2007 Monday No entry
Day 178 - 28/10/2007 Sunday
MAIL
Trish Cameron
Eileen McCann
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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. My mum and sister have also arrived for a few days and this is the first time we have seen each other for 5 weeks. My nephew and a close family friend also came to visit last night.
Today we all attended mass in the local church. Next Saturday will mark six months since Madeleine was abducted. We will be marking this milestone very quietly with an ecumenical prayer service for Madeleine and other missing children in the local Anglican church.
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.
Day 177 - 27/10/2007 Saturday No entry
Day 176 - 26/10/2007 Friday
ARGUIDO
Days 176
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Francisco Marco
Day 176
SKETCH
Day 176
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It has been a busy few days for Kate and I. We did our first interview since being made arguidos, for Spanish TV. This was very difficult for us but had one important purpose. We announced that private investigators are looking for Madeleine and that there is a dedicated ANONYMOUS telephone line for anyone who has information, which may help us to find Madeleine. The number is +34.902.300.213 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +34.902.300.213 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. We urge anyone who may have information to please call this number.
The investigators are based in Spain because we believe Madeleine is most likely to be in the Iberian Peninsula or North Africa. They have also released a sketch of an eyewitness who saw a man carrying a small child away from near the apartment on the night Madeleine disappeared. We believe this child was Madeleine. The Portuguese police have released the description of the man previously: he is 35-40 years old, approximately 5’8”-5’10” (1.72-1.78m), Caucasian with southern European/Mediterranean appearance, slim build with dark hair. We hope that this picture may
jog someone’s memory who may
have seen this man in the Praia da Luz area on the night or days before Madeleine was abducted. Someone else may be aware of a man matching this description who has behaved suspiciously at any time since the beginning of May.
Day 175 - 25/10/2007 Thursday No entry
Day 174 - 24/10/2007 Wednesday No entry
Day 173 - 23/10/2007 Tuesday No entry
Day 172 - 22/10/2007 Monday
Brian & Susan Healy
Day 172
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This last weekend we went to visit friends and Kate’s parents. It is the first time we have been to Liverpool since we went to Portugal on holiday in April. Sean and Amelie had a great time playing with other young children and it was good for Kate and I to catch up with very close friends. We attended the ‘children’s mass’ in the church where we were married and I met the local priest who also happens to come from Glasgow.
We welcome the announcement from Mr Ribeiro, the National director of the Judicial
Police in Portugal, that our friends who were on
holiday with us in Portugal are to be re-interviewed. We do not know how many other ‘witnesses’ will be interviewed but obviously we want to be eliminated from the inquiry as soon as possible. We constantly hope that one of the other lines of investigation leads to Madeleine being found safe and well.
Day 171 - 21/10/2007 Sunday No entry
Day 170 - 20/10/2007 Saturday No entry
Day 169 - 19/10/2007 Friday No entry
Day 168 - 18/10/2007 Thursday No entry
Day 167 - 17/10/2007 Wednesday No entry
Day 166 - 16/10/2007 -Tuesday
Calum MacRae
Infohost
Days 166
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This is believed to be the edited version copied from official site.
Life in Rothley is definitely quietening down although daily photographs of us leaving the house still seem ‘newsworthy’ which I find incredible. We are slowly trying to return to normal and it is heartening meeting ordinary people who are very supportive and sympathetic. We have managed to catch up with quite a few friends in the last week, which we have actually had to build up to because of the emotions involved in talking about what has happened. We also had our first visitor from Praia da Luz who spent a few days with us. It was touching to hear about our friends there, who continue to hold weekly vigils praying for Madeleine and her safe return.
The media frenzy is gradually subsiding with just occasional unsubstantiated reports of ‘evidence’ appearing. It is very encouraging that Mr Rebelo’s officers will be seemingly reviewing all the material in the inquiry, which will hopefully identify areas for further investigation. Contrary to some other reports Kate and I do NOT accept that Madeleine is ‘probably’ dead. We know it is a possibility, however the fact there is no evidence Madeleine has been seriously harmed gives us ongoing hope
that she will be found alive.
Finally, thank you once again to evryone who has written to us or sent messages of support. Calum has been away for a week on holiday and we will be updating the messages of support very soon. We would love to reply to everyone personally but the huge numbers simply make it impossible.
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Day 166 - 16/10/2007
This is believed to be the original Version copied from Bebo
Life in Rothley is definitely quietening down although daily photographs of us leaving the house still seem ‘newsworthy’ which I find incredible. We are slowly trying to return to normal and it is heartening meeting ordinary people who are very supportive and sympathetic. We have managed to catch up with quite a few friends in the last week, which we have actually had to build up to because of the emotions involved in talking about what has happened. We also had our first visitor from Praia da Luz who spent a few days with us. It was touching to hear about our friends there, who continue to hold weekly vigils praying for Madeleine and her safe return.
The media frenzy is gradually subsiding with just occasional unsubstantiated reports of ‘evidence’ appearing. It is very encouraging that Mr Rebello’s officers will be seemingly reviewing all the material in the inquiry, which will hopefully identify areas for further investigation. Contrary to some other reports Kate and I do accept that Madeleine is ‘probably’ dead. We know it is a possibility, however the fact there is no evidence Madeleine has been seriously harmed gives us ongoing hope that she will be found alive.
Finally, thank you once again to evryone who has written to us or sent messages of support. Calum has been away for a week on holiday and we will be updating the messages of support very soon. We would love to reply to everyone personally but the huge numbers simply make it impossible.
Day 165 - 15/10/2007 Monday No entry
Day 164 - 14/10/2007 Sunday No entry
Day 163 - 13/10/2007 Saturday No entry
Day 162 - 12/10/2007 Friday No entry
Day 161 - 11/10/2007 Thursday No entry
Day 160 - 10/10/2007 -Wednesday
DRUGGED
Day 160
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After a few days of ridiculous newspaper coverage in the UK and Portugal it was heartening to hear of the statement this evening from Mr Ripeiro, the National Director of the Judicial Police in Portugal. He has again emphasised that all lines of the investigation, not only Madeleine’s death, are open and that much of what has been written is pure speculation and in some cases misinformation.
Scientific reports that we drugged our children clearly fall in to the latter category.
In the coming days and weeks we hope that only factual material is reported, allowing everyone to focus on finding Madeleine and who took her.
Day 159 - 09/10/2007 Tuesday No entry
Day 158 - 08/10/2007 Monday No entry
Day 157 - 07/10/2007 Sunday No entry
Day 156 - 06/10/200 Saturday No entry
Day 155 - 05/10/2007 -Friday
CHEQUE
Day 155
WRISTBANDS
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ARGUIDO
Days 155
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It has been a quieter week for Kate and I. We did go into the Leicester Mercury on Wednesday to pick up a cheque for Madeleine’s Fund from donations for green and yellow wristbands. We did our first interview since returning from Portugal to say a huge thank you to everyone, especially here in Leicestershire, for supporting us during these last few dark weeks and months. Click here to read the interview. We have talked a little of life returning to ‘normal’ in Rothley. Several photographers are still in the village but otherwise it has been very quiet.
Kate and I will be going through the judicial process in Portugal to try and clear our name as quickly as possible. Obviously it is encouraging that the prosecutor has stated that all lines of enquiry are open. It is likely that we will be ‘arguidos’ for some time since this status remains until charges are brought or up to 8 months if
no charges are made. The investigation will have a new
coordinator appointed to replace chief inspector Amaral. We are happy to continue cooperating with the Portuguese authorities and in fact as arguidos, we can request that certain investigations are carried out.
Day 154 - 04/10/2007 Thursday No Entry
Day 153 - 03/10/2007 Wednesday No Entry
Day 152 - 02/10/2007 Tuesday No Entry
Day 151 - 01/10/2007 -Monday
RUNNING
Days 151
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Yesterday marked 150 days since Madeleine was taken. For our family it was just another painful day without our beautiful daughter. The questions we ask are pretty much the same as those we asked in the first few days. Who took her, why did they take her and where is she? Without wanting to be boringly repetitive we believe that someone out there knows something that could answer these questions.
I am still amazed at the irresponsible reporting going on in the press with unsubstantiated reports from unreliable sources being repeated in the UK and Portuguese press unquestioningly. It is simply untrue that the twins think that Madeleine has gone on a ‘little trip’. They clearly miss their big sister and have asked on numerous occasions where is Madeleine?’. Kate I and have told them that we don’t know where she is but lots of people are looking for her and we hope that we will find her. They are not traumatised by her continued absence, simply being too young to comprehend the situation but we are well aware that their insight will change as they continue to develop rapidly.
At the weekend we again had lots of visitors with kids, which was great for Sean and Amelie. After attending mass yesterday morning we had a family lunch and then spent a couple of hours in the garden playing. There are still a few photographers hanging around at the end of our street taking daily pictures of Kate and I. We are
managing to get out and about in the village and we have lots of support from the local community. On Saturday we decided to go for a run but drove nearby and parked the car but we were ‘snapped’ at the end, when I was certainly looking wearier than Kate!
