'Incredibly proud': Founders of Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust take a step back after 13 years
The couple, from Newry, established the trust following the heart-breaking loss of their son, who died suddenly in New York
Colin and Eithne Bell, founders of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, have announced they are stepping back from some of the charity’s operational duties after 13 years.
The couple, from Newry, established the trust in 2013 following the heart-breaking loss of their son Kevin, who was 26-years-old when he died suddenly in New York.
Following an outpouring of support from the young man’s friends, family and colleagues, a significant amount of funds were raised to repatriate his remains back to his home in Ireland, where he was then laid to rest.
As a permanent legacy to their late son, the Bell family decided to use this money to establish a charity that can help other people in a similar situation.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families. This is conducted by repatriating the body of a loved one who died abroad, in sudden or tragic circumstances, back to Ireland.
The help provided by the charity comes in the form of financial support, along with advice and guidance on getting the remains home as soon as possible
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is a voluntary organisation, led by Colin Bell and a team of volunteer trustees.
In a statement on social media, the couple have announced that it is time for them to take a step back from some duties.
They said, “We just want to reassure everyone that we are not stepping away from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. KBRT is a huge part of our lives and of our whole family, and it always will be. It has been and will continue to be a Bell family charity.
“Over the past 13 years, KBRT has grown substantially. As the trust continues to grow, we may be taking a step back from some of the day-to-day operational duties, but we will still very much be involved and fully committed to the trust and its work.
“Our wonderful staff, Diarmuid and Olivia, and the work of our board of trustees, will continue organising repatriations and we will continue supporting families with the same care and compassion that KBRT is known for.
“You will still be seeing plenty of us and we remain incredibly proud of everything KBRT stands for and all that has been achieved together.
“Thank you, as always, for your continued support,” Colin and Eithne Bell concluded.
From their base in Newry, Co Down, the Kevin Bell Trust operates globally and will continue to provide assistance to anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, who needs help with repatriation of a loved one back to the Island of Ireland.
As of January 2021, the charity has repatriated the remains of over 1,600 people back home to their families.