The Madeline Fund

[anotheoldgit]

It is said that the Madeline Fund contains one million pounds, and that the McCanns are to use this money hiring two top defence lawyers, if they have to go to court accused of killing Madeleine.

Is this an appropriate way to spend this money, or should it be used to help to find other missing youngsters?

[WaldoMcFroog]

It would certainly appear to be using the money in a way that donors hadn't anticipated, and even if they believe the McCanns are innocent, might not think appropriate.

I would assume that there must be some legal restrictions on what the money may be used for - otherwise, what's to stop it being used to buy a yacht?

[redcrx]

I heard that the family had stated that any monies required for lawyers would be sourced privately and that the madeleine fund would not be used for defence costs.

[daffy654]

I think that is a very inappropriate way of using the money. It should be used to fund the search for other children around the world who are missing. If they need lawyers surely their salaries as doctors could cover most of the cost.

[NJOK]

I don't know where this information has come from.

At least three news reports (that I saw) over the weekend made it clear that the couple would pay for any legal costs out of their own money and that the Madeleiene Fund would be used solely to find Madeleine.

What does 'it is said' mean? Said by who?

[sp1814]

I would've thought a sensible use of the money would be to hire a couple of private detectives to continue the search.

If the police believe that the McCanns killed their child, then they would be scaling down the search.

If the parents know they didn't do it, then it's in their best interests and the interests of the child to track down the real perpetrator(s).

[sanden]

Well said, Hjok. I have not known a story with so much speculation as this. The McCanns have made it clear they are not using funds raised for their legal fees, accommodation in Portugal etc. It has also been made clear that they cannot discuss a lot of what happened for legal reasons, but there has been so much talk about 'he said' 'she said' 'it has been reported' which is totally out of order. It would seem from some of the postings on this tragic case that the parents have found guilty already. They have admitted they made a terrible mistake in leaving the children alone but how they have paid the price. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the speculation and gossip-mongering is uncalled for.

[Reverandfunk]

What exactly is the fund for????

[kyra16]

i was under the impression they cannot access that money now that they are officially named suspects by the port. police

[weeal]

hopefully that wont be true ! the money was to find madeleine and if she cannot be found it should go to other needy causes for children

IF they are guilty, and its a big IF, they should repay the money they used to travel in the pretense of looking for her !!!

[anotheoldgit]

Apparently they have made the fund a Ltd company, not a registered charity, so they could use the money for what they like. This information was broadcast on LBC Radio, if they are to be believed.

[kempie]

Madeleine�s Fund: Leaving No Stone Unturned Limited has three stated main objectives:

� To secure the safe return to her family of Madeleine McCann who was abducted in Praia da Luz, Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007;

� To procure that Madeleine�s abduction is thoroughly investigated and that her abductors, as well as those who played or play any part in assisting them, are identified and brought to justice; and

{the most relevant to this thread}
� To provide support, including financial assistance, to Madeleine�s family.

http://www.findmadeleine.com/fund/

The fund is a limited company because a registered charity must demonstrate public benefit i.e. could not operate as a vehicle to aid just one child.

Although the McCann's may have previously stated no intention to use the fund for legal expenses, today (Wednesday) saw 5 of the 7 fund directors (2 are family members and declared an interest) vote on the matter. The board ruled that the fund will not be available for the McCann's legal expenses. The result did not sit well with one of the abstaining directors, John McCann brother of Gerry.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2005320001- 2007420467,00.html