Relatives launch 'Madeleine fund'

Philomena McCann holds a picture of her missing niece

- Gallery: Story in pictures
- Search: Madeleine McCann
- How you can help
- Have your say
- Madeleine fund website

Relatives of missing Madeleine McCann have joined rugby star Martin Johnson to launch an international effort to bring her home.

The former England captain joined close family members including Madeleine's uncle John McCann and grandparents Brian and Susan Healy to launch the Madeleine Fund.

They met lawyers who are helping the McCann family assess their options for taking the search forward and the couple's medical colleagues for the event at the Walker Stadium in Leicester.

Leicester City Chief Executive Tim Davies said: "Everyone connected with this football club is hoping and praying for Madeleine's safe and healthy return.

"Madeleine has touched the hearts of so many people within the Leicestershire community as well as this country and beyond.

"I have young children myself and I want Gerry and Kate, and the rest of Maddy's family and friends to know that we are thinking of them every minute of every day and are fully supportive of the Madeleine Fund.

"As a family-orientated football club we will do anything and everything we can to help ensure her safe return."

The British Government has also given its support, with pledges of help coming from across the political spectrum.

Relatives of the four-year-old travelled from Glasgow to London to meet Chancellor Gordon Brown and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Madeleine's aunt Philomena McCann said the family was so buoyed by all the support that despair had turned to "a tidal wave of hope".