OMAGH WOMAN AMONG THE BRAVEST IN BRITAIN
Omagh woman among the bravest in Britain
BRAVERY comes in many shapes and sizes, but seldom is it as inspirational as in the case of Donna-Marie McGillion, who survived 65 per cent burns and six weeks in a coma following the August 15, 1998, bombing of Omagh.
Not only did she recover despite the fact that at one stage she was given the Last Rites but she has since married her sweetheart and become a mother.
In recognition of her true grit and sheer determination to see good come from the Omagh bombing, she has this month been lauded as one of the seven Bravest Women in Britain by Best magazine.
Never one to hog the limelight, Donna-Marie has dedicated the accolade to the people of Omagh.
Speaking after being awarded the title the doting mother commented: "We thought about leaving, but we can't turn our back on Northern Ireland. If all the good people leave then who would be left? We've got to stay and try to make it better.
"I want to dedicate this award to the people of Omagh, who have been so brave. When I accepted the award I realised that I got such inspiration from the other people I met. I could name so many. But there are so many brave people in Omagh and I want to recognise that.
"We firmly believe that good conquers evil. Occasionally evil does break through, like in Omagh and the attacks on America. But good will always wins," she said.
Radiant smile
Although being caught up in the 3001b car bomb blast just over three years ago, Donna-Marie does not hide herself away. She is known locally for her radiant smile.
Her husband, Garry, was also badly injured in the bombing, and was in the same hospital in Belfast being treated for burns, while Donna-Marie lay in a coma. The couple had been in Omagh with Garry's sister, Tracey, and her 21-month-old daughter, Breda.
"I remember lying there, in mental and physical agony thinking 'how could people do this' over and over again.
"Sixty-five per cent of my body was covered in burns and I had to wear a plastic mask. I wondered how I was ever going to face the world looking like this.
"It was Garry who helped me. He sat by my bed and asked me to marry him in March 1999, if I felt up to it. When I realised that he still wanted to marry me, whatever I looked like, it gave me such hope. I realised then that it did not matter what I looked like. My personality hadn't changed and if other people did not like it, then it was their problem," she said.
Even though she still faces further operations, and regularly wears a mask to stop her skin from scarring, it is her strength of mind that drives her forward.
And so, eight months later than originally planned, Donna-Marie walked up the aisle of the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh - to Garry - in a full length white gown and veil. Among those officiating at the service was the priest who had given the young woman the Last Rites as she lay unconscious in Belfast.
Then this year, in August, to add to their contentment, Donna-Marie gave birth to a daughter, whom they have called Cara Frances. Cara is an Irish word meaning 'little friend'.
"Cara is a new name for the family, but Frances is one that's gone through for three generations. The future and the past in one little bundle. She is our future - her life will bring joy to us and to others.
"This is another chapter in our life and it is going to be a beautiful one. We know that Cara will bring hope to everyone. We have always said life goes on and there is no better way to prove it than this," Donna-Marie added.
The awards ceremony took place at the exclusive Selsdon Park Hotel, Sanderstead, Surrey.
Commenting on his wife's award and her ability to withstand anything that life throws at her, Garry said he and both sides of the family were delighted.
"Personally I am delighted that she got nominated for it. She has the ability to withstand anything and I am just delighted for her.
"For the family it is a testament to her strength and an inspiration to us to keep going. You have to keep going forward and soldier on with life. In this day and age the only way to go is forward."
He continued: "Some people look backwards to the darkness, but we have decided to look to the future. Donna-Marie has now been picked as one of Britain's bravest women it is testament to her herself."
BRAVERY comes in many shapes and sizes, but seldom is it as inspirational as in the case of Donna-Marie McGillion, who survived 65 per cent burns and six weeks in a coma following the August 15, 1998, bombing of Omagh.
Not only did she recover despite the fact that at one stage she was given the Last Rites but she has since married her sweetheart and become a mother.
In recognition of her true grit and sheer determination to see good come from the Omagh bombing, she has this month been lauded as one of the seven Bravest Women in Britain by Best magazine.
Never one to hog the limelight, Donna-Marie has dedicated the accolade to the people of Omagh.
Speaking after being awarded the title the doting mother commented: "We thought about leaving, but we can't turn our back on Northern Ireland. If all the good people leave then who would be left? We've got to stay and try to make it better.
"I want to dedicate this award to the people of Omagh, who have been so brave. When I accepted the award I realised that I got such inspiration from the other people I met. I could name so many. But there are so many brave people in Omagh and I want to recognise that.
"We firmly believe that good conquers evil. Occasionally evil does break through, like in Omagh and the attacks on America. But good will always wins," she said.
Radiant smile
Although being caught up in the 3001b car bomb blast just over three years ago, Donna-Marie does not hide herself away. She is known locally for her radiant smile.
Her husband, Garry, was also badly injured in the bombing, and was in the same hospital in Belfast being treated for burns, while Donna-Marie lay in a coma. The couple had been in Omagh with Garry's sister, Tracey, and her 21-month-old daughter, Breda.
"I remember lying there, in mental and physical agony thinking 'how could people do this' over and over again.
"Sixty-five per cent of my body was covered in burns and I had to wear a plastic mask. I wondered how I was ever going to face the world looking like this.
"It was Garry who helped me. He sat by my bed and asked me to marry him in March 1999, if I felt up to it. When I realised that he still wanted to marry me, whatever I looked like, it gave me such hope. I realised then that it did not matter what I looked like. My personality hadn't changed and if other people did not like it, then it was their problem," she said.
Even though she still faces further operations, and regularly wears a mask to stop her skin from scarring, it is her strength of mind that drives her forward.
And so, eight months later than originally planned, Donna-Marie walked up the aisle of the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh - to Garry - in a full length white gown and veil. Among those officiating at the service was the priest who had given the young woman the Last Rites as she lay unconscious in Belfast.
Then this year, in August, to add to their contentment, Donna-Marie gave birth to a daughter, whom they have called Cara Frances. Cara is an Irish word meaning 'little friend'.
"Cara is a new name for the family, but Frances is one that's gone through for three generations. The future and the past in one little bundle. She is our future - her life will bring joy to us and to others.
"This is another chapter in our life and it is going to be a beautiful one. We know that Cara will bring hope to everyone. We have always said life goes on and there is no better way to prove it than this," Donna-Marie added.
The awards ceremony took place at the exclusive Selsdon Park Hotel, Sanderstead, Surrey.
Commenting on his wife's award and her ability to withstand anything that life throws at her, Garry said he and both sides of the family were delighted.
"Personally I am delighted that she got nominated for it. She has the ability to withstand anything and I am just delighted for her.
"For the family it is a testament to her strength and an inspiration to us to keep going. You have to keep going forward and soldier on with life. In this day and age the only way to go is forward."
He continued: "Some people look backwards to the darkness, but we have decided to look to the future. Donna-Marie has now been picked as one of Britain's bravest women it is testament to her herself."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0952
Published Date: 06-Dec-01
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