From Chaos to Courage
On the cold, fateful evening of December 14th, 2022, an explosion shook the foundations of our home in Carrickfergus, turning what should have been a night of tranquillity into a harrowing ordeal. My husband, Mark, was the victim of an unforeseen tragedy, following an explosion from the back boiler of our open fire.
The sheer chaos that ensued seemed insurmountable, with the house exploding out before our oldest son’s eyes with shrapnel and glass just missing him as he walked towards the house. Also inside the house, amidst the turmoil, our youngest son Joshua, then just 10 years old, displayed an extraordinary act of bravery and love. With strength beyond his years, he carried his father from the wreckage, setting the stage for what would become a testament to resilience and the power of human compassion.
It was like a bomb scene from a movie with smoke, lights and sirens everywhere, with all of the emergency services trying to help. But it was the Air Ambulance Helicopter Emergency Medical Service team, whose swift and decisive actions literally saved Mark’s life. On our very street, in amongst the chaos, they intubated him in the ambulance, stabilizing his condition before transporting him to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Their relentless dedication did not waver as they continued to work tirelessly on Mark, ensuring he was safely transferred to the ICU in an induced coma. Their expertise and unwavering commitment were pivotal in those critical moments, and Mark would not be here today without having had their vital medical expertise at the scene!
Over two years have passed since that night, and while Mark’s physical recovery is progressing, the emotional scars have been harder to mend. The first year was particularly challenging, testing the limits of Mark’s mental health. In these trying times we have been blessed with the support of Dr. Keith Kerrigan, from the Clinical Health Psychology at the Belfast Trust. Dr. Kerrigan’s compassionate guidance has been nothing short of a godsend, helping us navigate the tumultuous waters of his emotional recovery.
In his journey to express gratitude for those who helped save his life Mark began to focus on trying to give back. In 2023 he undertook a sponsored walk for Air Ambulance NI alongside Carrickfergus Model Primary School and at the start of 2025, he did the Air Ambulance NI’s Step Up Challenge, walking 10,000 steps daily for the month of January. He is also hoping to complete the Air Ambulance marathon walk alongside his brother in the next year or two!
These activities although physically challenging have motivated Mark and our family to focus on the positive and try to keep moving forward and raise as much money and awareness for those who might need lifesaving help in the future.
Since the accident Mark has had the opportunity to meet the brave firefighters and police officers who were present that night, and just before Christmas last year, we had the opportunity to visit the Air Ambulance NI base. This was no small feat for Mark as the enormity of the medics contribution to his survival weighs heavily on his heart, making this act of gratitude a significant milestone.
Mark’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the determination to keep going. It is a narrative that underscores the transformative power of gratitude and the healing it brings. Through each step, each encounter, and each expression of thanks, we try to move our family closer to a place of peace. We are forever indebted to everyone who has helped us through this traumatic journey.
In the face of adversity, and the trauma he endured Mark has demonstrated that healing is not just physical but deeply emotional and psychological. His journey reminds us that while the road to recovery is long and often arduous, the support of loved ones, professionals, and those around us can help illuminate the path.