Featured photo: Geraldine Mullan and Eileen McLaughlin with John McCarter and Eunan McConnell at the opening of The Amelia’s Flight of Hope. Lough Swilly RNLI
Fun levels are soaring to new heights this week as the Mullan Hope Centre in Moville hosts an airplane-themed fundraiser for the RNLI.
This Sunday would have been the 10th birthday of schoolgirl Amelia Mullan, who lost her life in a tragic car accident on August 20, 2020. Amelia (6), her father John (49) and brother Tomás (14) died when the car they were travelling in plunged into Lough Foyle.
Geraldine Mullan, the sole survivor of the crash, sought to honour her daughter Amelia’s heavenly birthday by treating local schoolchildren to fun activities and lessons.
Geraldine Mullan launches Amelia’s flight of HOPE. Photo Nicola Kelly
‘Amelia’s Flight of Hope’ launched on Thursday and continues until Sunday at the Mullan Hope Centre.
Upwards of 450 children from schools in Inishowen and Derry have already enjoyed learning about Amelia Earhart, seeing a replica plane onsite and jetting off in their imaginations through a simulation in Tomás’ tunnel.
The aim of Amelia’s flight of HOPE is about educating children about this amazing Amelia Earhart and inspiring them to seek their own adventures in life.
There’s lots more happening this weekend. Saturday and Sunday’s events are suitable for all ages and aim to inspire and instil hope and allow families to create new memories.
On Saturday afternoon, Mood Swings & Agon will be performing their music and Kathy Donaghey and Danny Quigley will also be present to inspire the audience.
The event will feature a tree of hopes and dreams where visitors can share their own aspirations.
On Sunday, The Gateway Singers choir from Buncrana will be performing a commissioned piece called Dare to Dream, as well as other beautiful songs.
The Amelia Earhart Legacy Association Ladies and Vintage Star from Derry will also be present on both days, sharing their vast knowledge on Amelia Earhart and entertaining guests with stories of her adventures.
For Amelia’s heavenly birthday on Sunday, the Eglington Flying Club will be doing a flyover (weather permitting) at 2:30pm, beginning at Eglington airfield, flying over Ballyarnet where Amelia Earhart landed, and continuing to The Mullan Hope Centre.
Looking ahead to the event, Geraldine said: “I close my eyes and can see the amazement, wonder and joy in my Amelia’s eyes the idea of planes flying over her home to mark her heavenly birthday; a very apt way to mark the end of the four-day event.
“The aim of Amelia’s flight of HOPE is to inspire, to remember anything is possible if you put your mind to it and to remember a little girl in a positive way on her birthday.”
All funds raised will support the RNLI charity.
“We are very grateful to her and delighted to be associated with this very unique event,” said a spokesperson for Lough Swilly RNLI.
Check out the Mullan Hope Centre’s social media platforms Facebook and Instagram for more details.
