Mum who lost entire family in lake tragedy writes letter for son’s 18th birthday

Back in 2020, Geraldine Mullan lost her entire family when their car went into Lough Foyle.

The Donegal woman lost her entire family when their car went into Lough Foyle on a summer evening in 2020.

The family were returning from an evening out when their car went into the water.

While Geraldine was able to get out of the car, the rest of the family were unable to get out.

Since the tragedy, Geraldine has set up the Mullan Hope Centre in Moville.

Taking to Facebook, Geraldine shared an open letter to her entire family for her son Tomas’ 18th birthday.

She wrote: “Since I don’t get to give you a birthday card Tomás, here’s a few words to let you know how much I love & miss you all.

“On the 10th April 2006 at 1048pm, I got the greatest gift of all by becoming a mum for the first time… you, my beautiful son Tomás made your entrance, & from that very first moment, you captured my heart.

“Anyone that knew us knew we loved birthdays in the Mullan household, there’d be cake, balloons, party banners – John sweetheart, you’d made sure our birthdays were celebrated in style…it wasn’t just a birth-day, it was a birthday month!!!

“Today, my dearest Tomás, (TT) was not how I imagined we’d be celebrating your 18th birthday, but when I close my eyes, all 4 of us are together celebrating it together. I know John sweetheart & Amelia, my little ray of sunshine are spoiling you up in heaven, and there’s wonderful celebrations.”

Geraldine continued, writing: “So today, I did what I thought you’d all want me to do – I got two sea swims in, firstly at 9am & again 530pm, spent time at the grave chatting to you all & laid flowers for you there, called to see your classmates and chatted to them all about you, had some quiet time to reminisce and remember the precious 14 years I had you in my life and then had family & friends over this evening to remember you and toast you on your heavenly birthday.

“As the night draws 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 son 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. The stars are shining bright in heaven tonight, celebrating your special day.”

Geraldine concluded: “John darling & Amelia sweetheart, please give Tomás/TT birthday hugs and kisses from me & Tomas, likewise give daddy & Amelia hugs and kisses from me.”