http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6666223.stm

'You feel pain but try to keep focused'
The UK National Missing Persons Helpline has received reports of 720 missing people aged 16 or under since Madeleine McCann's disappearance on 3 May.

Carmel Fenech failed to return home in 1998

Most will turn up safely, but for some the feelings experienced by the McCann family can continue for years.

Deirdre Fenech, from Crawley, West Sussex, has not seen her daughter Carmel since she failed to return home in 1998 when aged 16. It is thought she could have run away to south London where the family once lived and still be in the Peckham, Camberwell or Brixton areas.

Every case is individual but when I heard about Madeleine, I could relate to what her parents were going through.

Carmel had stayed out before and had been gone for a few days before we realised she was really missing.

My daughter's situation is totally different from Madeleine's but as a parent I was in a similar position.

At the end of the day your child is gone and you are absolutely distraught. You just feel pain and grief but you are trying to keep your mind focused.

All cases need as much publicity as they can be given.

Once we realised there was something wrong, I have been grateful for the publicity we received.

MISSING CHILDREN SINCE 3 MAY
720 under 16s reported missing
92 were aged under 12
35 were aged under 10
NMPH statistics do not indicate the numbers who have been found in the period

The publicity in Carmel's case was co-ordinated through the National Missing Person Helpline and included mentions on TV, in local and national newspapers and having Carmel's picture put on the side of milk cartons.

Of course, the publicity was not as intense as in Madeleine's case because the circumstances were totally different.

However, I have heard nothing in nine years.

I think the police do suspect foul play but we just don't know for sure.

You never give up hope. I'd like to know she's safe.

Every day I just feel the back door is going to open and Carmel will be there.

But at other times, I do not even want to go out of the house.

It's an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.

I have four other children and it has been difficult for them. You all try to get through and survive the best you can.

It can either make or break a family. And there's the risk of a ripple effect that can affect other relatives too.


Anyone with information on Carmel is asked to call the National Missing Persons Helpline on: 0500 700 700 or email: sightings@missingpersons.org