Friends and family of fragile Kate McCann fear for her health after five months of emotional turmoil over missing Madeleine.
The 39-year-old has lost weight and looks increasingly drained as she and husband Gerry pray for some positive news about their daughter.
The latest blow to the couple came just two days ago when it emerged that a "sighting" of Madeleine in Morocco turned out to be a false lead.
The blonde-haired girl, who looked remarkably similar to missing Madeleine, turned out to be the daughter of a peasant farmer.
The strain is showing: Kate looks drawn and thin yesterday (right) compared to how she looked on June 6 at a German TV interviewRead more...
The supposed sighting was the fourth in Morocco since Madeleine vanished from the Praia da Luz resort in Portugal.- Madeleine police probe Kate and Gerry's 'suspicious' visit to Spain
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Each time the McCanns' hopes have soared and then been dashed.
In addition the couple have been put under extra strain by a string of "leaks" from Portuguese police claiming they were responsible for Madeleine's disappearance.
The latest suspicion is that the McCanns, from Rothley in Leicestershire, took Madeleine's body into Spain where they buried her.
The shock theory centres around a supposed "lost two hours" during which they drove into Spain to put up posters.
Police are probing the possibility that, despite it being three months after Madeleine vanished, they buried her body over the border during a rare moment when they were alone.
Kate's mother, Susan Healy, said despite her fragile appearance, her daughter was "remaining strong for Madeleine".
Her aunt, Philomena McCann, said: "Sometimes they crash as it gets to them."
A friend added: "Kate is so fragile.
"She is eating, we've made sure of that. But she's probably not getting as much benefit from her meals as she used to."
The McCanns' official spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, described the false sighting as "a big disappointment".
He added: "What has come out of this is it has focussed attention back on the search
"Kate and Gerry are pleased this tourist went to the authorities with the photo.
"They would encourage anyone who thinks they see Madeleine to do the same."
Mr Mitchell rubbished claims that the McCanns could have buried Madeleine in Spain claiming the trip had been conducted "in the full glare of journalists".
