Madeleine parents to take time off search
Madeleine has been missing for 38 days
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The parents of abducted Madeleine McCann have pledged to stay in Portugal until at least the end of the summer. |  |
Sunday, 10, Jun 2007 10:38
The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have announced that they are to take a break from their campaign to find their daughter in order to take time "to grieve".
Speaking on their return to the Algarve, Gerry and Kate McCann said they needed time to grieve and to assess the future of the campaign.
Mr McCann said: "Kate and I need to grieve. Not because we fear the worst but to grieve her not being with us.
"We just need to take stock and decide what is best to do from now."
He said a period of reflection was required in order to ensure that the campaign was on the right track
"We can't keep doing the same thing week after week, the coverage will dwindle. What we want to be sure of is that what we put our energy into is effective.
"We need to take a step back and work out how we can help in the search for Madeleine."
The couple have been campaigning for help to find their missing daughter ever since her disappearance in the Algarve 38 days ago.
Their recent trip to Morocco was in response to reports that a young girl, fitting Madeleine's description, had been spotted in Marrakech.
Mr McCann said he and his wife were considering going back to the UK.
"There's been a lot of talking and thinking about that going on behind the scenes. We will not give up, but there will be a different way of doing things.
"I can see myself having to go back to the UK to meet with people, it is just more efficient to do things over there.
"It will be very, very hard. The last time I was back, I couldn't even go into the house. I found it hard enough going to Rothley."
The Observer reports that the family has spoken to internet giant Google asking the search engine to replace the two o's in their logo with Madeleine's eyes on June 22nd, which would be the 50th day of her disappearance.