The mother of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in May 2007, states that she continues to return to Portugal “once or twice” a year to “look for answers”.

During an interview with the BBC, Kate McCann said that she returns “discreetly” to the place where Maddie was seen for the last time, to “walk along the streets” and to feel closer to her daughter.

“I usually go back. I haven’t been there since April (of last year), but I usually go back for personal reasons. Once or twice a year”, stated Kate.

Maddie’s mother said that she likes to be discreet during her visits to Luz, because she knows that the local residents do not like the publicity that her visits generate.

“It’s difficult because we do not want to bring the general “publicity” back, I know that the local residents do not like that, and although we have good friends in Praia da Luz, I know that people only wish that (the case) would disappear. Therefore, when I go, I am discreet, she adds.

(Kate ) McCann says that every visit is an opportunity to feel closer to her daughter. “It was the last place we were with Madeleine and I still walk the streets looking for answers. That helps me”.

When asked about whether they were preparing anything special to mark the seventh anniversary of the disappearance, (Kate) McCann says that it will be more difficult for her to face the birthday of the girl, who will be 11 close to the date (of the disappearance).

In an interview with Sky News, Maddie’s parents say that at this moment, the important thing is to discover what happened on that night in 2007.

“Obviously our hope is that she is alive and well-cared for, but independently of the truth, we just want to know. We all need to know”.