Madonna releases photo of her with Mercy

By Carla Bevan on Tuesday 14 April 2009

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Madonna, Lourdes, celebrity gossip, Marie Claire

Madonna has released a heart-warming photograph of herself with Mercy James, the little girl she wants to adopt from Malawi, as she vows to continue her legal fight in the country.

In an interview with Malawi's The Nation on Sunday newspaper, conducted via email, Madonna explained: 'I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and health care possible.

'And it's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country.'

Although she declined to speak about the appeal process, it is understood Madonna will fight last month's ruling, which turned down her adoption application on residency grounds. Strict rules in the country decree prospective adoption parents must have lived in Malawi for at least 18 months prior to the adoption, however, these were waived when Madonna adopted David two years ago, and were widely expected to be waived again until the shock court ruling by Judge Esme Chombo.

A date for the appeal has not yet been set, but Madonna used the email to pass on her gratitude to those who have supported her so far, writing: 'I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world.'

SEE THE PHOTO HERE

SEE MADONNA IN MALAWI HERE