Amelie McCann has spoken publicly about her missing sister Madeleine for the first time at an event marking the 16th anniversary of her disappearance.
The 18-year-old, who is now applying to attend university, was pictured at an informal prayer gathering in Rothley in Leicestershire.
Amelie was joined by her parents and around 70 well-wishers but her twin brother Sean was not in attendance.
She said: “It’s nice that everyone is here together but it’s a sad occasion.”
Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007N/CAmelie also joined in with supporters who chanted “never give up”, “leave no stone unturned”, “don’t forget about me” and “still missing, still missed”.
Madeleine’s parents Kate and Gerry also posted a moving message about their missing daughter.
They wrote: “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.”
Madeleine disappeared from a holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort Praia da Luz on the evening of May 3, 2007.
But visitors to the vigil were encouraged not to give up on finding Madeleine.
Rob Gladstone, who was leading prayers at the event, told attendees: “We are here this evening to show our loving concern for Madeleine and for all young children who have been taken away from their families against their will.
“We are also here to encourage one another to keep up hope and pray for a renewal of strength even after this long time.”
Amelie was joined by her parents and around 70 well-wishers but her twin brother Sean was not in attendance
Terry Harris
Amelie and other attendees took turns lighting a candle for Madeleine and other missing children.
Fiona Payne, a close friend of the McCanns who was on holiday in Portugal when Madeleine vanished, read out a poem at the event.
Lead suspect Christian Bruckner, who is currently behind bars after raping an American pensioner in 2005, has not yet been charged in the McCann case.
But the 45-year-old is under investigation on suspicion of murder after spending many years in Portugal around the time of the then-three year old’s disappearance.
Kate and Gerry McCann gathered with friends tonight to mark the anniversary
PAHowever, the convicted paedophile may never face a trial over McCann’s disappearance due to a legal technicality over foreign courts’ jurisdiction.
Bruckner has denied any involvement in McCann’s abduction.
No suspects have ever been charged in connection with the case.
