It is with broken hearts that we are writing this.

Our dear friend Emine tragically lost her life, leaving behind her devastated husband, Çağdaş, and their beautiful 7-month-old baby boy, Larkin Ulaş.

Emine and Çağdaş were not just friends to many of us. They were people who dedicated their lives to building a better world.

As political refugees, they were forced to flee Turkey because of their beliefs and values. Returning was never an option, as they faced the very real risk of arrest. Ireland became their safe home, and they embraced it with all their hearts. They fell in love with Irish culture, its people, and the kindness they found here.

They loved Ireland so much that they named their son Larkin in honour of Big Jim, James Larkin, the iconic Irish labour leader, socialist, and trade union organiser who fought for workers’ rights and justice. The name also carries ancient Irish roots and with meanings such as “fierce” and “brave.” It was a name chosen with deep hope, that their little Larkin would grow up courageous and compassionate, inspired by the values of justice that Big Jim represented. They dreamed that their son would grow up strong, free, and proud in a country that gave their family safety and a new beginning.

Çağdaş worked as a journalist, always standing for truth and justice. Emine devoted herself to community work and local activism. She knocked on doors alongside campaigners in Midleton, listening to residents, helping vulnerable people, and trying to make her town and society better for everyone.

She cared deeply about people.

She was always the one helping others.

She was always trying to make others feel less alone.

And yet, behind her smile, Emine was struggling in silence.

After giving birth, she faced severe postpartum depression, something too many mothers endure alone. Like so many women, she felt pressure to appear strong. She carried the weight of motherhood, being a refugee, being far from family, and trying to meet impossible expectations.

As a society, we often fail new mothers.

We pressure them.

We judge them.

We tell them what a “good mother” should be.

We offer advice instead of empathy.

And too often, we do not notice when someone is drowning quietly.

Emine deserved support. She deserved understanding. She deserved help.

Instead, her pain became too heavy to carry.

Now, a beautiful little boy will grow up without ever truly knowing the incredible woman who gave him life.

Little Larkin, our brave boy, deserves security, love, and opportunities for the future his mother dreamed of for him. Emine wanted her son to grow up educated, safe, and able to build the life she fought so hard for.

And now Çağdaş faces the unimaginable task of raising his baby son alone while carrying unbearable grief and trauma.

Today, we are asking for your help.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go toward supporting Larkin’s future, his care, education, and giving his father the support he needs during this heartbreaking time.

If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser.

Let us come together for this family the way Emine always showed up for others.

Let us stand with little Larkin.

Let us stand with Çağdaş.

Let us honour Emine’s beautiful heart by ensuring her son has the future she dreamed of for him.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for caring.