Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Lotto jackpot joy for charity couple
Euromillions raffle joy for charity pair
A COUPLE who help families to repatriate loved ones who have died abroad have scooped £1million on the lottery.
Colin and Eithne Bell set up the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust after their son was killed in a suspected hit-and-run in New York in 2013. Yesterday they were picking up a cheque from the National Lottery at the Canal Court Hotel in their home city of Newry, Co Down. Mr Bell said striking it lucky in Tuesday’s Euromillions Millionaire Maker raffle was “amazing”. He added: “It’s a fantastic feeling and it’s great for the whole family. “The fact of the matter is the big beneficiaries will be our six children. “It’s just a wonderful thing and it means security for ourselves and all of them.” Now retired Mr Bell runs the charity with the help of family and friends who volunteer their time. And he has not forgotten about them, adding: “We are a very close-knit family. “Every penny will be used for the enjoyment of those close to us and extended family.” Since the charity’s formation four years ago it has helped bring home the remains of hundreds of people from across Ireland who died suddenly or in tragic circumstances while out of the country. And the couple’s thoughts are never far from their son, who was 26 when he died. Mr Bell said: “We are very proud of Kevin. “We are proud of what has come out of his death and as a whole family we are very proud what Kevin’s legacy is.” As for himself and his wife, he added: “We had our first cruise booked – now we will be going back for an upgrade.”
It is a fantastic feeling and it’s great for the whole family COLIN BELL NEWRY YESTERDAY