The service for Madeleine McCann

A SPECIAL message to Liverpool from Kate and Gerry McCann was read out at a special Mass commemorating the fifth anniversary of their daughter Madeleine’s disappearance.

The heartfelt statement was delivered by a parishioner at yesterday evening’s service at Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eaton, in Childwall.

The service was attended by more than 200 well-wishers, friends and family – including Liverpool-born Kate’s mum and dad Susan and Brian Healy.

The statement read: “Thank you for coming along this evening to pray for Madeleine and to share our hope for her return. It’s difficult for us to accept and understand how five years have passed. It’s as sad today as it was then. We miss her smile. We miss her laughter. We miss her cuddles. We miss Madeleine.” 

The statement also thanked supporters of the McCann’s campaign and urged them not to give up.

Susan Healy, Kate’s mum, praised the “lovely” mass.

She said: “I was very anxious before. But it was very reassuring to see everybody here. We’ve had tremendous support and we’re very grateful.”

Kate’s dad Brian Healy said: I’m very pleased with the turnout. They seem positive that Madeleine will be found. We’ll just enjoy the moment when it happens.”

The tiny church was packed to the rafters for the service. Parishioners sat shoulder to shoulder in the pews and visitors lined the walls.

Led by Father Tim Buckley it included a special homily dedicated to Madeleine.

Father Buckley paid tribute to Kate and Gerry’s continuing faith at a testing time describing Madeleine as “a beacon reminding us to persevere.”

He said: “I can’t help thinking that maybe it would be fitting to describe Madeleine as an iconic figure. For because of the sheer determination to find her people have been alerted to the thousands of children that go missing.” 

Madeleine disappeared five years ago during a family holiday in Portugal