A mother whose family was wiped out in the Lough Foyle drowning tragedy has written a heartbreaking letter to her son to mark what would have been his 18th birthday.
John Mullan (45) and his children, Tomás (14) and Amelia (6) drowned when their car skidded into the water on August 20 2020. Mr Mullan’s wife, Geraldine was the only survivor after she managed to climb onto the roof of the car.
The family had been returning to their Moville home from a day out in Derry. It later emerged that when the three bodies were recovered from Lough Foyle, Tomás and Amelia were found clinging to each other.
In a heart-rending letter to her son marking his 18th birthday, published online, Mrs Mullan recalled the moment he was born.
“You my beautiful son Tomás made your entrance and, from that very first moment, you captured my heart.”
Mrs Mullan said: “My dearest Tomás, (TT) was not how I imagined we’d be celebrating your 18th birthday but when I close my eyes, all four of us are together, celebrating it together. I know John, sweetheart and Amelia, my little ray of sunshine, are spoiling you up in heaven and there’s wonderful celebrations.”
She told her son she celebrated his birthday in the way the family would want her to. She went swimming and then spent time at their grave where she laid flowers. She also spoke to classmates of Tomás and Amelia about her family.
“As the night craws to a close, I’ll close my eyes at 10.48pm, put my hand on my heart and hold you all close, remembering what you told me Amelia about the four corners in my heart, as that’s where you’ll always be.
“Happy heavenly 18th birthday, my beautiful Tomás. Thank you for the unconditional love you always gave me. Love you to the sun, moon and stars, to infinity and beyond, always and forever,” Mrs Mullan said.
