By Steve Purcell on
Some of Britain’s biggest names have pledged money to a record £2.5 million ($5 million) reward for the safe return of 4-year-old Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in Portugal while on holiday with her family.
The girl from Leicestershire, England, vanished from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on 3 May.
Celebrity contributions to the reward fund have included £50,000 ($100,000) from Simon Cowell, £100,000 ($200,000) from Richard Branson, an unspecified amount from footballer Wayne Rooney, and a “staggering” contribution from billionaire “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling.
Madeleine’s parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, are still in Portugal helping with the search. Mr McCann said, “Until there is concrete evidence to the contrary, we believe Madeleine is safe and is being looked after.”
A website has been set up to provide information about Madeleine and to help speed her return: www.bringmadeleinehome.com
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