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McCanns: Leaving Maddy 'Last-Minute' Decision

Parents tell of anguish as anniversary nears

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2008 4:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – Almost a year after their daughter's disappearance, Madeleine McCann's parents spoke of the "last-minute decision" that now torments them to leave Maddy alone in their vacation hotel room while they left for dinner. “It was cold," Kate McCann said of the night Maddy vanished. "I knew what pajamas she had on, and I  thought, 'She’s going to be freezing.' And it was dark and dark and every minute seemed like an hour."

The couple speak about the night that forever changed their lives on a new British documentary. They also talk of the hate mail they received after being named as suspects by Portuguese police, and their work to  establish an early alert system for missing children. Maddy's mom predicts the family will forever be driven to learn what happened to their daughter. "The thought of living like this for another 40 years isn’t a happy prospect," she said.

Kate McCann, right, looks on as Gerry McCann address the media at the European Parliament on Thursday April 10, 2008.
Kate McCann, right, looks on as Gerry McCann address the media at the European Parliament on Thursday April 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
This March 2007 file photo released by the McCann family Friday, May 4, 2007, shows 3-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann.
This March 2007 file photo released by the McCann family Friday, May 4, 2007, shows 3-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann.   (AP Photo/McCann Family, HO)
Undated handout image released Monday July 16, 2007  by the Find Madeleine Campaign of a Madeleine McCann poster.
Undated handout image released Monday July 16, 2007 by the Find Madeleine Campaign of a Madeleine McCann poster.   (AP Photo/ Find Madeleine Campaign)
This two picture combo released Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 by Madeline McCann's parents shows two new artist impressions of a man they claim could be involved in their daughters disappearance.
This two picture combo released Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 by Madeline McCann's parents shows two new artist impressions of a man they claim could be involved in their daughters disappearance.   (AP Photo)
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