The parents of missing Madeleine McCann were today clinging to hope she is alive.
Kate McCann wore green and yellow ribbons in her hair as a symbol of hope, while her husband Gerry wore a green wristband, as they attended a special mass to pray for her safe return.
They wore the colour - which symbolises hope in Portugal - as MPs were set to wear yellow ribbons in an attempt to remind people of the missing four-year-old's plight.
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Symbols: Kate McCann leaving a special mass, wearing green and yellow ribbons in her hair, while husband Gerry wore a wristbandIn Portugal, the McCanns prayed for the police officers leading the search for their daughter. They were visibly moved by the hour-long service at a small church on the seafront in Praia da Luz last night.
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In a mass for just nine of their close friends - who had been with them since the start of their holiday - and a few local residents, Father Paul Seddon told how the McCanns had been "immensely touched" by the support from the public at home and in Portugal.Mrs McCann cried quietly as Father Seddon talked of the "incredible affection felt by millions around the world for Madeleine".
Father Seddon, the priest who married the couple and christened Madeleine, said: "We pray that Maddy is brought back home safe and well where she belongs with Kate, Gerry, Sean and Amelie."
The priest, who had flown from Liverpool to be with them - celebrated mass at Nossa Senhora da Luz church with local priest Father Jose Manuel Pacheco.
The priest also prayed for hope to be in the hearts of those present, and thanked the public in the UK and Portugal for supporting the McCanns.
The parents were today facing an agonising wait to find out if prime suspect Robert Murat is to be charged over the disappearance.
Murat, named by Portuguese detectives yesterday as their "main and only" suspect, is expected to face further questions today and must attend court to provide statements in the next few days. Kate and Gerry McCann have been following developments in the case from TV and newspaper reports, but have been left in the dark by Portuguese police.
They spent much of yesterday watching television news reports of the case and could be seen pacing the hotel balcony talking anxiously on their mobile phone, 13 days after Madeleine was snatched.
Close friend Jill Renwick said: "They have been told very little about the investigation. Their main source of information is television and newspaper coverage. They are awaiting developments like everyone else. They do not know any more than people in the UK."
In Britain their relatives were joining rugby star Martin Johnson today in an international effort to bring her home. The former England captain was with Madeleine's grandparents, Brian and Susan Healy, as well as medical colleagues of the McCanns, to launch the Madeleine Fund at the Walker Stadium in Leicester.
The McCanns live in Rothley, Leicestershire, and Mr McCann is a consultant cardiologist at hospitals in the city.
Tim Davies, the chief executive of Leicester City, who play at the stadium, said: "Everyone connected with this football club is hoping and praying for Madeleine's safe and healthy return.
"Madeleine has touched the hearts of so many people within the Leicestershire community as well as this country and beyond.
"I have young children myself and I want Gerry and Kate, and the rest of Maddy's family and friends to know that we are thinking of them every minute of every day and are fully supportive of the Madeleine Fund."
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