The mum of a young child who underwent surgery this month, has hailed Translink for their efforts to ensure they were able to get home during Storm Darragh.
Seven-year-old Eimear was recovering in hospital, and given the green light to go home. Her mum Bronagh says while her child was poorly, they weren't aware of the storm brewing across the region.
Their journey from Coleraine to Belfast was not as easy as they had hoped. Little Eimear was still feeling unwell, having gone through an operation, and her mum says she just wanted to get her home.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Bronagh says she felt "panic creeping up my spine" when she heard an announcement while they awaited their train to Belfast, that all public transport was suspended due to the weather conditions.
"I was trying so hard not to but the tears start falling," she said.
"I thought, no, I can't fall apart, we are doing good and I'll figure this out. Nothing was moving and I was asking for help from anyone. Once the tears started, I couldn't make them stop. A Translink staff member came over, took my worry away away and said they'd see what they could do.
"I sat and gathered my thoughts, and put my mammy head on. I faced Eimear and told her how brave and strong she was, and that it soon would be over.
"After some back and forth with myself and the Translink team, one of the guys approaches with a huge hot chocolate for Eimear and a sticky chocolate bun. She' is a seven-year-old, and that chocolate bun brightened her up. And while they're chatting to her about Christmas and the dog teddy she had clutched in her hand for 10 days straight, another guy takes me aside and explained that they couldn't put buses or trains out becaise of the storm.
"[At that time] I couldn't even hear what else he was saying. My child is sick, she needed to be home and I was afraid we would be stranded. He then said, "what we're going to do love, is get you and your daughter a taxi. We've covered the fare. It was £100 from Coleraine to Belfast."
Bronagh said she wanted to share her experience, as she was overwhelmed by Translink's response to her and her child, in a time of need.
"I don't know who these men were, I didn't get any names but they absolutely rose to the occasion for my daughter and I and they deserve some recognition for coming through for us in such a tremendous way.
"I cannot thank them enough."
A Translink spokesperson said: "Our staff make the difference in the service our customers receive, and we take pride in serving and helping the local community every day.
"Given the special circumstances and medical condition of the young passenger involved, our staff in Coleraine recognised the need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of these distressed passengers and alternative transport was arranged. We are pleased our team was able to assist this family caught in this challenging situation."
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