In a profoundly moving tribute marking 21 years since Madeleine McCann's disappearance, her childhood friend Julia Wendelt has broken her silence with an emotional letter addressed to Kate McCann.
The heartfelt message, shared exclusively with the Mirror, reveals the enduring pain and lasting impact of Madeleine's absence on those who knew her best during those formative early years in Rothley, Leicestershire.
A Friendship Frozen in Time
Julia, now a young woman, recalls the innocent days when she and Madeleine were inseparable playmates. "I think about her every single day," Julia confesses in her poignant letter, describing Madeleine as "the friend I shared my childhood with."
Her words paint a vivid picture of their friendship - from carefree playdates to shared laughter that now exists only in memory. The ordinary moments of childhood have become precious relics for those left behind.
The Weight of Years
What makes Julia's testimony particularly powerful is her reflection on how Madeleine's absence has shadowed her entire life. "I've grown up with this," she writes, acknowledging the strange reality of mourning someone who remains officially missing rather than confirmed deceased.
Her letter speaks to the complex grief experienced by those connected to long-term missing person cases - a pain that evolves but never fully dissipates with passing years.
A Message of Solidarity
Julia directs her most compassionate words toward Kate McCann, expressing admiration for the strength she's demonstrated through unimaginable circumstances. "You've been so strong," she writes, acknowledging the very public nature of the McCann family's suffering.
The letter serves as both a personal tribute and a public reminder that Madeleine's disappearance continues to affect a community of people beyond her immediate family.
Undimmed Hope
Despite the passage of more than two decades, Julia's message carries a thread of persistent hope. Her decision to speak out now, on this painful anniversary, underscores the enduring belief that Madeleine remains in people's hearts and minds.
The emotional account stands as testament to how a single event can shape multiple lives across generations, and how childhood bonds can withstand even the cruelest tests of time and circumstance.
