​Maddie McCann's Dad Reveals Severe Mental Health Struggles After She Went Missing

Gerry McCann, the father of Madeleine McCann, has revealed that he suffered from severe mental health problems after his daughter went missing.

Fifty-year-old Gerry will be discussing the details of his battle with depression and grief in an interview with BBC Radio 4.

He said: "I decided it was a good opportunity to say something about the special bond between fathers and daughters, thinking that speaking openly might help other men in similar positions."

According to MailOnline, he added: "It feels like the right time."

He is reported to have been granted the interview in a bid to help raise awareness about mental health, and ease the stigma surrounding men talking openly and honestly about their emotions.

PA

Gerry's daughter, Madeleine, disappeared in May 2007, when he and wife Kate were out having dinner while on holiday in the Algarve, Portugal.

Since her disappearance over a decade ago, a global search has been under way but after 11 years her story remains one of the world's biggest mysteries.

It would have been Madeleine's 15th birthday earlier this year in May. To mark the milestone, Gerry and Kate shared a poignant tribute to their daughter, writing 'Happy 15th Birthday Madeleine!' on the official Find Maddie Campaign Facebook page, along with a photo of her as at three-year-old.

They also laid out birthday presents in her bedroom - which remains untouched since her disappearance, having become something of a shrine.

Speaking to The Sun, Maddie's great uncle, Brian Kennedy, said: "It would be lovely to have a celebration one day. We never lose hope."

Kate has previously revealed that she finds the birthday of Madeleine a 'difficult time' as that's when she really feels her absence.

She added: "I do all the present buying. I think about what age she is and buy something that, whenever we find her, will still be appropriate so there's a lot of thought goes into it."

The parents are still trying to not give up the hope of Madeleine being found alive.

The Met have been involved in the investigation since 2011. However, as yet, the investigation - which has the code name Operation Grange - has failed to uncover any new clues or leads.

The Home Office funding is also expected to run out at the end of September, meaning that the McCanns could soon see the search suspended.

Topics: UK News, News, Gerry McCann, Madeleine McCann

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

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