Madeleine McCann's parents have shared a heartbreaking message in honor of their missing daughter's 20th birthday.
Madeleine was just three years old when she suddenly went missing while the family was on vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007. At the time, her parents - Kate and Gerry McCann - were eating at a restaurant nearby.
The story made global headlines with many rallying around to find the missing toddler.
The British and Portuguese authorities poured millions into trying to come to a positive conclusion, though 16 years on, the case has not come to an end.
Madeleine still remains missing.
Now, the child's parents have spoken out, marking what would have been her 20th birthday.
Taking to the official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, Kate and Gerry told their daughter that they've not given up hope just yet, writing: "Happy birthday Madeleine! We love you and we’re waiting for you. We’re never going to give up."
Alongside their heartfelt message, they also attached snapshots of their daughter from 16 years ago in an emotional YouTube video.
In the caption, they also added: "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."
The news comes after Madeleine's parents also issued a statement earlier this month to mark the 16th anniversary of their daughter's disappearance.
The statement was released on the official Find Madeleine Campaign website on May 3.
"Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction. Still missing... still very much missed. It is hard to find the words to convey how we feel. The police investigation continues, and we await a breakthrough. Thank you to everyone for your support – it really helps."
The couple also shared a poem titled The Contradiction, written by Clare Pollard, which they said strongly resonated with them.
Part of the verse reads: "The absence contradicts itself: the missing conjures what we miss. I cannot hold you, yet I do: please let me hold you in my head and where you are now, hold me too."
Not only that, but the little girl's younger sister also spoke out for the first time during a vigil to mark the milestone.
Amelie, who is now 18 years old, said: "It’s nice that everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion," as she joined her parents for an informal prayer along with other attendees in their home village of Rothley in the United Kingdom.
Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
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