Mum who lost entire family in lake tragedy writes poignant letter to late son on 18th birthday

Heartbroken Geraldine Mullan has written her son Tomás the most inspiring letter on what would have been his eighteenth birthday.

The Co Donegal woman lost her entire family including Tomás as well as husband John and daughter Amelia when their car plunged into Lough Foyle on the evening of August 20th, 2020.

The family were returning from an evening out.

Geraldine managed to scramble onto the roof of the family car but unfortunately her entire beloved family perished.

Nurse Geraldine has shown remarkable courage and resilience since the tragedy and has set up the Mullan Hope Centre in Moville.

Geraldine revealed how she spent the day of Tomás 18th birthday on Wednesday swimming, meeting friends and talking about her beloved son.

She even met with some of Tomás school-friends to talk about the great times they spent together.

Geraldine published an open letter to her entire family in which she asked her late husband and daughter to make sure to spoil Tomás in heaven.

Family and Friends during The Funeral of John, Tomas and Amelia Mullan at St Pius X Parish Church in Moville

She wrote “A letter to you all in heaven tonight from me. 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!!!”

Geraldine tells Tomás how Wednesday did not turn out how she had always thought it would be for his 18th birthday.

She added “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 Mullan embraces the coffin of her six-year-old child Amelia at the funeral of her three family members at St Pius Church, Moville, Donegal.

“So today, I did what I thought you’d all want me to do – I got 2 sea swims in, firstly at 9am & again 5.30pm, 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 4 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. John darling & Amelia sweetheart, please give Tomás/TT birthday hugs and kisses from me & Tomas, likewise give daddy & Amelia hugs and kisses from me…..

Love Mummy/your Galway girl Geraldine xxx”

Geraldine will officially remember Tomás by hosting a memorial 5km fun run/walk in memory of Tomás with all proceeds going to Children in Crossfire.

The run/walk takes place this Sunday, April 14th at 11am leaving from and finishing at The Mullan Hope Centre in Moville with presentation of prizes and raffle prizes/spot prizes at 12.30pm.

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