Our beautiful niece Lucy, from Randalstown, is only 18 years old. On Sunday 2nd August, she was involved in a devastating car accident in Pettigo, Donegal — a day our family will never forget. Her beloved boyfriend, Ronan, tragically lost his life, and Lucy is now in the Mater Hospital Intensive Care Unit in Dublin, where she will remain for a considerable amount of time as she fights through extremely serious, life‑changing injuries.

Next week, Lucy was due to receive her A‑level results. She had hoped to begin a new chapter studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Ulster in Derry — a dream she worked tirelessly toward and was so excited to pursue. Instead, she is now facing a long and complex road of recovery, rehabilitation, and major adjustments to her home so she can have the best possible quality of life.

This tragedy has placed an overwhelming strain on her parents, Terry and Caroline. Lucy needs them both by her side in Dublin for the foreseeable future, yet they also have two other children at home who need care, stability, and support. Balancing these responsibilities is incredibly difficult, and the emotional and financial pressure on the family is immense.

Your prayers, kindness, and messages of support mean more than words can express. Terry and Caroline draw strength from every gesture of compassion shown to them during this heartbreaking time.

We are asking, from the bottom of our hearts, for any donation you can spare — no matter how small. Every contribution will help Lucy take the next step in her recovery and give her the chance to rebuild her life after this unimaginable tragedy. As a family, we need all the support we can gather at this incredibly difficult time, and we are eternally grateful for your generosity.

Please continue to keep Lucy and her family in your thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead.