The parents of missing five-year-old April Jones thanked the police and public for their support Thursday, a month after she disappeared from the market town of Machynlleth in mid-Wales.
Coral and Paul Jones said they were “overwhelmed by the massive amount of resources being used… looking for our beautiful daughter”.
April, a cerebral palsy sufferer, was last seen getting into a vehicle on October 1. She had been riding her bike close to the family’s home.
Local man Mark Bridger, 46 has been charged with her abduction and murder but she has not been found.
“It is four weeks since April was taken from us, as a family we are obviously devastated and our lives have been torn apart,” her parents said in a statement Thursday.
“Since October 1 we have received messages, flowers and cards from across not only the UK but the world and we have taken comfort knowing that people are thinking of April and us.
“We are extremely grateful that so many search teams are still out there, every day, looking for our beautiful daughter.
“We have been supported by our family, friends and neighbours over the past four weeks and it has been their love and support that has helped us get through each day.”
More than 150 searchers are still scouring the area, according to Dyfed Powys Police, and 40,000 man hours have been spent on the search.
Sniffer dogs are being used along with resources from the coastguard and fire service over an area of 60 square kilometres that includes the river Dyfi, mountains, potholes and lakes. Police say they will continue into next year if necessary.
Thousands of local people are still wearing pink ribbons as a symbol of support for April and her family, while the town marked the third week of her disappearance by lighting the town hall clock in pink, April’s favourite colour.
Missing 5-year-old's parents thank public one month on
