Northern Ireland

Family of Lauren Bullock 'filled with pride' at Children in Crossfire legacy

Two classrooms have been built at a school in Tanzania in Lauren's memory
Two classrooms have been built at a school in Tanzania in Lauren's memory Two classrooms have been built at a school in Tanzania in Lauren's memory
By Seamus McKinney

LAUREN Bullock's family have said they are “filled with pride” that two classrooms have been built at a school in Tanzania in honour of their “wonderful" daughter.

A plaque was unveiled at Mapinduzi primary school in the Dodoma region to commemorate the 17-year-old who died three years ago today.

A passionate advocate for children’s rights, Lauren had told her family about attending a talk by Children in Crossfire founder and director, Richard Moore at her school, St Patrick’s College in Dungannon.

This has now inspired her family and friends to fundraise in her memory for the charity.

Mary Bullock said her daughter cared deeply about children and had told her family how impressed she was with the work of Children in Crossfire after hearing Mr Moore speak.

Purple was chosen for the plaque because it was Lauren's favourite colour.
Purple was chosen for the plaque because it was Lauren's favourite colour. Purple was chosen for the plaque because it was Lauren's favourite colour.

“Sadly, she will never be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a social worker and making life better for vulnerable children here. However, these new classrooms built in her memory will do exactly that for children growing up in disadvantage in Tanzania.

“As we mark her third anniversary, we take inspiration from her beautiful life and wonderful legacy,” she said.

“We are so pleased that Lauren’s name will be known to children on the other side of the world. While they may never fully know who she was, they will understand and appreciate what she left behind and the positive difference it has made for them. That fills us with pride in our wonderful Lauren."

Mr Moore said he felt privileged the family chose support Children in Crossfire in their daughter’s “precious memory”.

Children in Crossfire workers were joined by Mapinduzi primary school staff for the opeing of the new classrooms.
Children in Crossfire workers were joined by Mapinduzi primary school staff for the opeing of the new classrooms. Children in Crossfire workers were joined by Mapinduzi primary school staff for the opeing of the new classrooms.

The Derry man said has been an honour to get to know the family but added that he wished the project could have come about in different circumstances.

“It is a remarkable tribute to Lauren that the Mapinduzi community reacted to her story by mobilising enough additional resources to complete a second classroom at their school in her memory.

“Thanks to Lauren’s family and friends, thousands of children will get a better education over many years to come. Something positive has emerged out of Lauren’s tragic loss and I hope Mary, Martin, Ryan and Shane will take comfort in knowing that this will always be part of her legacy."

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