Geraldine Mullan’s Vietnam trek in memory of her family postponed by Iranian War

Geraldine Mullan was set to climb Vietnam’s highest peak in memory of her son Tomás this month, but has been forced to postpone her latest charity trek due to the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

Inspirational Geraldine was the sole survivor of a horrific crash at Quigley’s Point in August 2020, losing her husband John (49) and their children Tomas (14) and Amelia (6) when their car plunged into Lough Foyle during a storm.

The nurse, originally from Williamstown, in County Galway, and now living in Moville, had been due to depart last Thursday, April 2, for a charity trek in Vietnam in aid of Children in Crossfire. 

However, escalating tensions and flight restrictions linked to the situation in the Middle East, where her group was due to travel via Dubai, meant the journey could not go ahead as planned.

Despite efforts to reroute through alternative cities, Geraldine is unable to secure a viable travel option, and the decision was made to reschedule the trek until September 24th. 

While the postponement is disappointing as the trip was to coincide with what should have been Tomás's 20th birthday on April 10, Geraldine says her determination remains stronger than ever.

“I just want to thank you all so much for your generosity and support this far,” she said. “It just means I have another six months to keep trekking, keep putting one foot in front of the other, and keep going.”

The Vietnam trip, which includes climbing Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in the country at 3,147 metres, is deeply personal for Geraldine. The new dates now carry even greater emotional significance.

“It'll be a belated birthday trek for my beautiful boy Tomás to mark his 20th birthday,” she said. With the trek now happening at the end of September, “it'll be a belated birthday trek for my beloved John, and I can't forget my beautiful little girl Amelia, as her birthday is 8th of October, an early birthday trek for her. So it will be a memorial trek for all three of them.”

Since tragically losing her husband and two children nearly six years ago, Geraldine has dedicated herself to helping others, establishing The Mullan Hope Centre in Moville to honour the legacy of her family, which continues to provide vital support within the community.

Her upcoming trip builds on previous fundraising efforts, including her climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2025 for Children in Crossfire. Through that experience, she witnessed firsthand the impact of the charity’s work with vulnerable children and families in Tanzania.

“The impact they make is real, lasting, and deeply inspiring,” Mrs Mullan said. “That’s why I’m committed to supporting them again this year.”

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Funds raised from the Vietnam climb will support Children in Crossfire’s projects in Tanzania, helping to improve healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection for children living in extreme poverty.

Climbing Fansipan will be a deeply personal way for Geraldine to honour her family by turning “grief into purpose and to support children and families who need it most. Every step I take will be for Tomás, John, Amelia, and the children whose lives are being changed through this incredible charity.”

Geraldine has launched a JustGiving page to support the cause, which can be found under the title “Geraldine’s Trekking Vietnam for Children in Crossfire.”

“If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, you will be helping Children in Crossfire continue their essential work and keep hope alive for so many children,” she said. “If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean just as much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, kindness, and generosity.”