Date Released: 19/03/2008 20:52:00

“The directors of Madeleine’s Fund welcome the settlement of Gerry and Kate’s complaint against Express Newspapers, in particular the front page apologies for the grossly defamatory stories that were consistently published in recent months and the agreement reached on substantial damages.

It has been a great additional burden for Gerry and Kate to be repeatedly vilified in sections of the press. Such coverage was also a diversion for our campaign to find Madeleine.

We hope that such public apologies will not only bring some comfort to Gerry and Kate, but that they will re-emphasise the need for a renewed focus on the campaign.

The £550,000 damages from Express Newspapers will now be used fully within the stated spirit and aims of Madeleine’s Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to support Gerry and Kate specifically in the search for Madeleine and her abductor(s).

The Fund will, therefore, continue to work to gather information to assist them in achieving their aim of bringing Madeleine home. We would, once again, urge any member of the public who still feels they may have useful information to come forward with it without delay.”