Madeleine McCann's parents release heartfelt message to mark 18th anniversary of daughter's disappearance

parents have posted a heartfelt message to their daughter to mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearance.

On Friday, May 2, Kate and Gerry updated their page with a new touching message to their daughter. It comes just hours ahead of the milestone anniversary and just weeks before Madeleine would be set to turn 22-years-old.

The toddler went missing during a family holiday in the resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve in on May 3 2007. Over the last 18 years there has been no positive sighting and no one has been charged with her abduction, but her have never given up hope.

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The post was shared shortly before 7pm, and read: "As we arrive at the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction, we’d like to thank our faithful supporters once again for standing by us and never forgetting about Madeleine.

"The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to ‘leave no stone unturned’ is unwavering. We will do our utmost to achieve this.

"May is also the month which includes ‘International Missing Children’s Day’ (25th). We continue to remember all missing children and their families, both here in the UK and abroad, thinking especially of all the children displaced from their homes & families in & Gaza at this time.

"We’re very grateful to the UK Charity, ‘Missing People’ for their ongoing, invaluable work, & to all organisations, charities and police forces who remain committed, despite many challenges and limited resources, to finding & bringing home the many missing and abducted children.

"May is also Madeleine’s birthday - her 22nd this year. No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day. We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her."

The post attracted hundreds of comments, on read: "I hope this family feels nothing but love and support from all of those that still have hope Madeleine will come home. There are so many of us who won’t give up until Kate, Gerry, and the twins get the answers they deserve." A second wrote: "I hope you find out what happened to your daughter in your life time," a third penned: "Sending love and strength to the McCann family."

Along with the touching message they shared an image of Madeleine with the quote 'No matter how near or far she is, Madeleine continues to be with us, every day.' They also updated the page's cover photo with a montage of pictures of Madeleine with the same quote.

to mark the 18th anniversary of their daughter vanishing. Local vicar Simon Payne confirmed there would be a police presence at the vigil for the first time in eight years.

Rev Payne said: "Eighteen years is quite a milestone. People still want to come and remember Madeleine and pray for her family. I hope it will be a peaceful occasion with no disturbance. I am told there will be a police presence, for Kate and Gerry who are hoping to be there. I am not sure how many officers will be in attendance."

Kate’s uncle Brian Kennedy, who lives in Rothley, said the vigil will take place at 7pm at the village war memorial.