Thousands of Australians never gave up hope Cleo Smith would be returned to her family
For millions of Australians learning Cleo Smith had been found alive and well on Wednesday morning the news was as stunning as it was joyful.
As each of the 18 days since Cleo disappeared from a remote campsite in Western Australia passed the likelihood she would be safely located seemed even more remote.
Most of the nation had likely dismissed any chance the four-year-old would