Mum of Jamie Sandhu says family given invaluable space to grieve thanks to Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust

Transcript

00:00 In 2013, following the death of young Kevin Bell, who sadly passed away in New York,

00:06 the community came together, rallied with the Bell family to support them,

00:12 and raised a significant amount of funds to bring Kevin's remains home to Ireland.

00:18 As a result of that, and to build on a tremendous legacy, Kevin's father, Colin Bell,

00:24 established the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a trust that today, 11 years on,

00:31 1,800 families have benefited from its support. The impact it has at a very difficult and tragic

00:40 time for many families is huge and significant, and many are very grateful for the huge amount

00:48 of work and support that the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust provides those families

00:54 in those difficult circumstances. Indeed, this week, I and my own constituency have witnessed

00:59 firsthand the huge benefit and relief it brings to a family that is suffering tremendous loss

01:06 and pain. On 3 May, in Australia, young Jamie Sandhu passed away in very difficult and sad

01:13 circumstances, a great shock to his family and friends right across Strabane who knew and loved

01:20 him. He came from a very loving and caring, close family that is rooted in education and in the

01:26 Strabane community. Immediately, without any hesitation, Colin Bell and his trust came to

01:35 the aid of that family and brought their son, brother and grandchild home to his family.

01:42 I can tell you, Mr Speaker, firmly on the record that the gratitude of that family to the Kevin

01:48 Bell Repatriation Trust is without words. The entire community, in the face of this

01:55 deeply devastating news, rallied to the aid of the Dougherty family in the last few days and,

02:01 within three days, raised £20,000 for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

02:08 In our community, we are so fortunate to have pillars that are upholding all of us in very

02:16 difficult times, such as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. I know that it goes without

02:21 saying that the Dougherty, Callaghan and Sandhu family are deeply appreciative of those supports,

02:27 as are the other 1,800 families who have returned loved ones back here to Ireland and, indeed,

02:34 other areas as well. In this House today, I am sure that, on behalf of all Members,

02:39 we say firmly on the record thank you to Colin Bell and his family for what they have done,

02:44 and also that our thoughts are with the family of Jamie Sandhu, who are suffering

02:49 that deep pain and loss this week.