Reward for missing Madeleine

THE News of the World has put up a record £1.5 million reward for the safe return of Madeleine McCann. c

Stars and business leaders have donated huge sums in an unprecedented show of support for our Find Maddie campaign - to make up the largest award in newspaper history.

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PORTUGUESE POLICE - 0035 1282 405 400

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NEWS OF THE WORLD - 0044 207 782 1001

After we kicked off the fund with £250,000, Harry Potter author JK ROWLING put up a staggering amount - the largest single donation. But she asked us not to reveal the exact figure.

Kind-hearted JK married a Portuguese TV journalist and her first child Jessica was born in Portugal, a few hours' drive from Praia da Luz where Maddie was snatched.

Her dad Gerry said: "We are very happy and pleased with what you are doing. Anything that can be done to publicise that Madeleine is missing and help with the search is very welcome."

Topshop tycoon SIR PHILIP GREEN matched our £250,000 and said: "I hope this makes a difference."

Virgin's SIR RICHARD BRANSON put up £100,000, saying: "I'd like to appeal as a father to whoever is holding her to please bring her home safe."

Everton football club chairman and theatre boss BILL KENWRIGHT was one of the first people to see pictures of Maddie wearing his club's shirt before they were released this week.

Mr Kenwright, who has pledged a huge personal sum, said: "If it helps towards the reunion it will be the best cheque I've ever written."

Footie chairmen EGGERT MAGNUSSON of West Ham and Reading's JOHN MADEJSKI both gave £10,000.

Ann Summers boss JACQUELINE GOLD donated £100,000, explaining she wanted to get involved after meeting Sara Payne.

She said: "I pray that this nightmare comes to an end soon with the safe return of their beautiful little girl."

Telly star SIMON COWELL promised £50,000, saying: "I heard about the terrible situation here in LA and I hope she is found safe and sound."

Manchester United star WAYNE ROONEY and fiancée Coleen McLoughlin pledged £25,000, telling us: "We are praying for Maddie's safe return and for an end to what must be a nightmare for all her family."

The England cricket team joined in with £20,000. Captain MICHAEL VAUGHAN said: "Our thoughts and prayers are for Maddie's safe return."

Entrepreneur SIR TOM HUNTER pledged £100,000 with EasyJet boss SIR STELIOS Haji-Ioannou and Matalan chief JOHN HARGREAVESchipping in with large sums too.

The Mark Warner company, which runs the Ocean Village resort where Maddie was snatched, said: "We wholeheartedly support the News of the World initiative and anything that helps get Madeleine back."

Our reward offer, which appears in several major European languages on the right, is subject to standard News of the World reward offer conditions.