A DETERMINED mother has been given fresh hope in her battle to track down her missing two-year-old daughter.
Leila Sabra, aged 32, from Whitefield, has travelled to Egypt in the hope of being reunited.
She alleges her daughter A’ishah was kidnapped from a cafe in eastern Egypt in May by her father, Saber Mesbah Sabra Saber has denied the claim, but speaking to The Guide from Egypt, Leila says she has been told by the Egyptian authorities that they believe she is staying with Saber’s relatives.
Leila flew out to the eastern city of Hurghada on Friday to press for legal and diplomatic action so she can get her daughter back.
The embassy’s apparent reassurance is a welcome boost to Leila.
She will hold a further meeting today with a view to being reunited with her daughter in the next few days.
Leila said: “The Egyptian authorities say they know she is definitely in Egypt.
“I have an appointment at the British Embassy in Cairo with the vice consul. It will take me six hours to get there by bus.
“After that, I think the Egyptian police or Government can send someone to the house where they think A’ishah is to get her back.
“I am very optimistic. But I can’t make assumptions that this will be resolved because if it falls through it’s very hard to get back up.”
Since the tug-of-love issue came to public attention last month, Leila has received support from the cast of Coronation Street and hundreds of wellwishers — 214 of whom have joined a Facebook campaign group.
She has also been backed by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, a Foreign Office minister with special responsibility for the Middle East.
Mr Lewis said: “Leila will be given as much help as she needs from the embassy during her stay in Egypt.”
Leila added: “When I was on the flight, the crew from Thomas Cook showed their support by passing a picture of A’ishah around asking anyone who sees her to go to the police.
“I am touched that the public and the press are so involved.”
The Guide was unable to contact Saber Mesbah Sabra.
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