The couple who founded Ireland’s leading repatriation trust – bringing loved ones home to be buried – have stepped back from their roles after an outstanding 13 years at the helm.
Founders, Eithne and Colin Bell launched The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in 2013 following the sudden death of their beloved son, Kevin in New York.
Following an outpouring of grief, the Newry couple – together with friends, family and colleagues – raised a significant amount of money to repatriate his remains back home.
As a permanent legacy to Kevin, the Bell family decided to use the funds to establish a charity to help other families who find themselves in a similar situation. Help comes in the form of financial support as well as advice and guidance on getting the remains of loved ones home as soon as possible.
Since 2013, the charity has successfully repatriated over 2,000 people.
So invaluable is their work, that in May 2024, their pair were honoured with official recognition from the Tánaiste with a sculpture made from ancient bog oak entitled ‘Homecoming’.
However, according to The Irish News, the couple have now announced their decision to retire from the day-to-day running of the volunteer-led organisation.
Giving thanks to the couple’s unwavering dedication in all those years, Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty said: “Collie and Eithne Bell feature on the front page of the Irish News today with the news that they are to step back from The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust after 13yrs at the helm, and as the number of loved ones they have helped return home to families in Ireland has reached an incredible 2,500 from nearly 100 different countries.
Members of the public have also taken the time to thank the couple and to wish them well as they head into retirement.
“A well deserved retirement and I sincerely hope you both have a long, healthy life ahead to enjoy each other and your family,” said one person. “What you have done for so many people is immeasurably important and you have made your son proud.
“This is one of only a couple of charities that I now contribute to. It’s hugely important to everyone. Thank you for all you have done.”
Another person added: “Eithne and Colin. You turned a family tragedy into something positive and enduring. You gave meaning to the phrase, ‘We don’t want another family to suffer in the way we did’.
“Your Kevin is now remembered by the charity you founded in his name, which, Trust has given comfort and a release from anxiety to thousands of bereft and grief stricken families. Well done, and now please ease off gently. Love you both.”
Many have recognised how the family seized upon the “darkest moment” of their lives to turn it into a “beacon of hope” for so many others.
They can retire proudly as the legacy of their dear son continues to live on.
