'Cherished memories' of lost family to carry Geraldine Mullan up Kilimanjaro

Geraldine Mullan, the Moville woman who lost her family in a road tragedy four years ago, is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity next year.

Geraldine was the sole survivor when her son Tomás, 14, daughter Amelia, 6, and husband John, 49, died after the family’s car entered Lough Foyle on the way home from a day out in August 2020.

The nurse from Co Galway, made the announcement of her plans to climb the highest mountain in Africa a few days ahead of what would have been her husband John’s 54th birthday.

Geraldine, who three years ago set up The Mullan Hope Centre in Moville in memory of her family, will be undertaking the walk next February for the Children in Crossfire charity.

Earlier this year Geraldine hosted a 5km fun run/walk in Tomás’ memory on what would have been his 18th birthday which raised more than €9,000 for Children in Crossfire, which is run by Derryman Richard Moore.

During that event, Geraldine heard the charity was bringing a group out to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro and she “signed up straightaway”.

“For myself, it is a very personal challenge and one close to my heart,” she said.“My mantra is to cherish every moment and never lose hope. A lot of my time is devoted to charity work through The Mullan Hope Centre.”

She said the timing of the expedition is significant as it is due to finish one day before her fiftieth birthday fifty.

“John never got to celebrate his 50th birthday - I still have some of his unopened birthday presents (from myself and the kids) in our house. Turning this milestone age will be a mixture of emotions for me but what better way to mark it - in honour of my family and raise more funds for the worthy charity.

"My cherished memories of John, Tomás and Amelia will carry me step by step up Kilimanjaro, just like they have carried me every day since August 2020.”

Geraldine, who is setting out on the walk with her friend Katie Fitzpatrick, has begun training for the feat and said they will greatly appreciate any donations.