EXCLUSIVE: Well-wishers’ toys are sent to orphans The McCanns: We want Madeleine’s toys to go to the little boys and girls who need them most
By Martin Fricker And Paul Byrne In Praia Da Luz 24/12/07

Thousands of toys left for Madeleine McCann have been donated to orphans for Christmas by her brave parents.

The toys, placed on a war memorial in the McCanns’ home village, have been parceled up and sent to needy youngsters in Eastern Europe.

A family friend said: “It would have been a shame if the toys had gone to waste. They’ve helped brighten the Christmas of a child who might have nothing.”

Kate and Gerry McCann have sent cuddly toys left for Madeleine to orphans so they give a little festive cheer to children who have nothing.

A friend said: “They were so touched with all the gifts they received for Madeleine and wanted to pass them on to other little boys and girls who need them more.

“Christmas will be heartbreaking for them this year. But at least they know the gifts have gone to a good home.”

The handout has been organised by an aid charity called Samaritans Purse. The toys have gone to youngsters in eastern Europe – including delighted kids at an orphanage in Minsk, Belarus, and needy families. They all have a label with Madeleine’s picture.

The toys were among 2,000 left at a war memorial in the McCanns’ village of Rothley, Leics, in the weeks after Madeleine vanished. The friend added: “The public’s support for Kate and Gerry helped get them through the first months. It would be a shame had the toys gone to waste.

“Everyone who left something for Madeleine will now know it has helped brighten the Christmas of a child who might otherwise have nothing.”

The gifts were removed from the war memorial over the summer and have been cleaned by children and parents from Rothley’s two schools.

Madeleine’s great aunt Janet Kennedy helped to pack the toys into boxes.

Kate and Gerry, both, 39, have kept messages and cards left with the items.

Meanwhile, a British sex offender is said to be wanted for questioning in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance from the family’s Portuguese holiday flat in Praia da Luz on May 3.

According to a Sky News investigation, he is the only one of 52 paedophiles identified as being in the Algarve when Madeleine, four, vanished who has not been eliminated as a suspect.