The full text of the open letter written by Kate and Gerry McCann to the British media.

Dear Editor

We are writing to express our deep gratitude for all that your organisation and reporters have done to raise worldwide awareness of the abduction of our beautiful daughter.

It is hard to express how much your support and the support of your readers and viewers have meant to us personally at this terribly difficult time.

It has strengthened our resolve and supported our campaign enormously. We remain convinced that Madeleine is alive and will be returned to us safe and well with everyone’s help.

Both of us have never courted publicity for ourselves. Everything we have done has been to one purpose – to make sure that Madeleine’s image is recognised far and wide and that people who have any information on her whereabouts know how to alert the authorities.

While we understand the media’s natural desire to concentrate on us and our family, we would like the focus to remain firmly on Madeleine.

It is for this reason that we are also asking the media not to carry any more pictures of Sean and Amelie.

The twins are growing fast and we recognise the increasing need to protect their privacy.

Today marks the start of a new phase in our campaign – one that is event-driven. The launch of balloons right around the world will once again bring her image to the forefront of people’s minds.

The campaign that has been run for the 50 days since Madeleine disappeared has been led magnificently by family and friends and we know we have become the public face of it.

However, there is only one face that matters – that of Madeleine.

Many thanks again for all you have done. We know we can continue to count on your support to keep this campaign in the public mind.

Kate and Gerry McCann