"We hang on to the hope, however small, that we will see Madeleine again."

Kate and Gerry McCann have released a statement ahead of the 18th birthday of their daughter, Madeleine McCann. Madeleine went missing on 3 May 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz in Portugal. She was just three years-old at the time. Madeleine's birthday is May 12. Monday marked the 14th year since her disappearance. In a post on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook group, the McCanns speak about their daughter's upcoming birthday. Kate and Gerry also express their gratitude towards the police for continuing with their investigation throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The statement reads: "Every May is tough - a reminder of years passed, of years together, lost or stolen. "This year it is particularly poignant as we should be celebrating Madeleine's 18^th birthday. Enough said." They continue: "The Covid pandemic has made this year even more difficult for many reasons but thankfully the investigation to find Madeleine and her abductor has continued. "We hang on to the hope, however small, that we will see Madeleine again. As we have said repeatedly, we need to know what has happened to our lovely daughter, no matter what. We are very grateful to the police for their continued efforts. "We still receive so many positive words and good wishes despite the years that have gone by. It all helps and for that we are truly grateful – thank you." The investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann continues. In December 2020, Scotland Yard stated that they had no plans to close their investigation. Last year, a German man was named as a prime suspect in the case. However, prosecutors have said that they do not have enough evidence to charge him.