Madeleine McCann's heartbroken parents have issued a new statement to mark their missing daughter's 20th birthday.
She was just three years old when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007.
Kate and Gerry McCann continue to hold hope that Madeleine is alive.
READ MORE: New Spain holiday rules for Irish tourists from drink limits to smoking bans
Despite the years that have passed, they continue to seek answers and cling to the belief that one day, they will be reunited with their cherished daughter.
The couple, along with their family and friends, will mark the occasion with a private gathering today, Mirror UK reports.
In a poignant Facebook post shared on the official Find Madeleine Campaign page, Kate and Gerry poured their hearts out to their daughter.
They wrote: "Happy birthday Madeleine! We love you and we're waiting for you. We're never going to give up."
Accompanying the heartfelt message were treasured photos of Madeleine from their ill-fated trip to the Algarve 16 years ago, along with a video capturing memories of their beloved daughter.
A caption underneath the clip read: “Madeleine McCann is 20 years old today. She’s still missing, still missed and we are never going to give up trying to find her.”
Madeleine, now 20 years old, continues to be missed and remains a central figure in an ongoing quest for answers. The relentless pursuit to find her has led to German paedophile Christian Brueckner being named as a prime suspect. Brueckner had been residing in a farmhouse near Praia da Luz when Madeleine disappeared in May 2007. However, the 45-year-old, who is currently serving a jail term for raping a pensioner in Praia da Luz, denies any involvement in the young girl's disappearance.
Earlier this month, the McCann family held a poignant candlelit vigil to mark the 16th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance. Although neither Kate nor Gerry addressed the crowd, one of the 'Tapas Seven' - a group of friends who were dining with the McCann's on the night of Madeleine's vanishing - spoke at the gathering.
Dr. Fiona Payne lit a candle and recited Emily Dickinson's poem, 'Hope is the thing with feathers,' before hugging Kate in a heartfelt embrace. Their bond remained evident as they engaged in conversation during the emotionally charged event.
READ NEXT:
Annie McCarrick murder probe twist as two brothers emerge as suspects
'Painfully shy' Irish dad transforms into evil drug dealer with massive Irish empire
McGregor Forever: Director says Conor McGregor is 'an entirely unreasonable man'
'Doctors told me I needed to lose weight, but I actually had a six stone cyst'
Fear strikes Irish town after venomous spider spotted in local home
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
