OMAGH PAIR SET NEW DATE TO MARRY
Omagh pair set new date to marry
By Valerie Robinson
A YOUNG couple who were critically injured in the Omagh bomb blast celebrated their recovery yesterday by setting a new wedding date.
Donna Marie Keys (22) was sporting a diamond and sapphire engagement ring as she was congratulated by staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The nurses and doctors who had watched her make a miraculous recovery after suffering horrific burns were thrilled that Donna Marie could look forward to marrying longtime boyfriend Gary McGillion. The brave Omagh woman who was injured one week before she was originally due to get married has now set a date in March for the ceremony.
"I had to think of the future," she said, describing her fears as she lay in her hospital bed.
But she did admit to having moments of doubt and despair during her hospital ordeal.
"I used to think 'Is this ever going to end, why me?' It's just one of those things you've got to get over and deal with."
The couple's dream of walking down the aisle together almost shattered when they were both seriously hurt in the bomb that killed 29 people in August.
They had been spending the day shopping when the explosion occurred.
Doctors gave Donna Marie a 50:50 chance of survival after she suffered extensive burns. She received round-the-clock care from the nurses and doctors who battled to save her life. Sixty five percent of her body had suffered third degree burns and she remained on the critical list for weeks.
Despite having third degree burns to 35 per cent of his body Gary's first thought after the explosion was for Donna Marie's safety.
The couple were rushed to Tyrone County Hospital where staff worked tirelessly to stabilise their condition before transferring them to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
Gary left hospital a fortnight ago. But Donna Marie had to undergo a series of painful skin grafts to repair the damage done by the bomb.
Gary said yesterday that the injuries suffered by the pair were "pretty horrific... very deep burns".
Donna Marie is still forced to wear a special transparent mask to protect the fragile skin grafts that doctors hope will reduce scarring on her face.
Speaking to UTV Live RVH-based Dr Mohammed Riaz said medical staff would continue working to make the scars fade as much as possible.
And he said the brave patient was "a wonderful person. She's a fighter".
As Gary escorted his future wife from hospital he said the couple were convinced their future was together and pledged they would "get on with our lives".
Meanwhile, vice chairman of Omagh district council Allan Rainey said he had visited Gary while in hospital and was "delighted to see the recovery they have made".
By Valerie Robinson
A YOUNG couple who were critically injured in the Omagh bomb blast celebrated their recovery yesterday by setting a new wedding date.
Donna Marie Keys (22) was sporting a diamond and sapphire engagement ring as she was congratulated by staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The nurses and doctors who had watched her make a miraculous recovery after suffering horrific burns were thrilled that Donna Marie could look forward to marrying longtime boyfriend Gary McGillion. The brave Omagh woman who was injured one week before she was originally due to get married has now set a date in March for the ceremony.
"I had to think of the future," she said, describing her fears as she lay in her hospital bed.
But she did admit to having moments of doubt and despair during her hospital ordeal.
"I used to think 'Is this ever going to end, why me?' It's just one of those things you've got to get over and deal with."
The couple's dream of walking down the aisle together almost shattered when they were both seriously hurt in the bomb that killed 29 people in August.
They had been spending the day shopping when the explosion occurred.
Doctors gave Donna Marie a 50:50 chance of survival after she suffered extensive burns. She received round-the-clock care from the nurses and doctors who battled to save her life. Sixty five percent of her body had suffered third degree burns and she remained on the critical list for weeks.
Despite having third degree burns to 35 per cent of his body Gary's first thought after the explosion was for Donna Marie's safety.
The couple were rushed to Tyrone County Hospital where staff worked tirelessly to stabilise their condition before transferring them to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
Gary left hospital a fortnight ago. But Donna Marie had to undergo a series of painful skin grafts to repair the damage done by the bomb.
Gary said yesterday that the injuries suffered by the pair were "pretty horrific... very deep burns".
Donna Marie is still forced to wear a special transparent mask to protect the fragile skin grafts that doctors hope will reduce scarring on her face.
Speaking to UTV Live RVH-based Dr Mohammed Riaz said medical staff would continue working to make the scars fade as much as possible.
And he said the brave patient was "a wonderful person. She's a fighter".
As Gary escorted his future wife from hospital he said the couple were convinced their future was together and pledged they would "get on with our lives".
Meanwhile, vice chairman of Omagh district council Allan Rainey said he had visited Gary while in hospital and was "delighted to see the recovery they have made".
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0469
Published Date: 31-Oct-98
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