ABOVE: The parents of Madeleine McCann are holding a star-studded party to boost their fund to find her

THE parents of Madeleine McCann are holding a star-studded party to boost their fund to find her.

Kate and Gerry, both 41, are charging £150-a-ticket to attend the dinner and auction as the 1,000-day anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance draws near.

Invited guests include Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, 59, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, 44, and Radio Five’s Nicky Campbell, 48, along with the McCanns’ backer, Scottish double- glazing tycoon Brian Kennedy, 49.

The bash at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, west London, on January 27 will swell the dwindling coffers of the fund. Nearly £2million has been donated since Maddie, then three, vanished on May 3, 2007. The McCanns insist Maddie was abducted from their Portuguese holiday apartment.

But Kate and Gerry fear donations may dry up after they attended a Portuguese court last week to ban a book about the case.

Ex-detective Goncalo Amaral, 50, claims Maddie died in an accident and the McCanns covered it up. The case was adjourned until next month.

But Kate and Gerry fear the fallout from the wild allegations could stop people donating. The fund, now at less than £400,000, would be empty by spring without a fresh injection of cash.

Kate said: “The fund is not depleted but we are aware, given the uncertainty of our situation, that we need to plan ahead to continue the search.” The party is expected to raise £100,000.