While many reflect on the loss and tragedy of the Paris terrorist attacks this weekend, a glimmer of hope shines bright for one Irish couple.
Katie Healy and David Nolan, from Cork, survived the massacre at the Bataclan Theatre and, a year on, they have shared some wonderful news.
The Mirror reports that the couple, who were in Paris on a romantic city break at the time of the attacks, are expecting a baby.
“We are so happy to have a baby on the way. But we’re painfully aware that while we prepare to welcome a new life, a lot of families are visiting graves,” she told the publication.
Katie and David were in the Bataclan when ISIS gunmen opened fire on a crowd attending an Eagles of Death Metal concert.
The couple ended up on the floor, terrified and convinced they would never see their loved ones again.
The crowds have gone now but the candles are still burning at the vigil opposite the venue. #Bataclan #Paris pic.twitter.com/M3uY1Cz43m
— gigsinparis (@gigsinparis) November 12, 2016
Thankfully, they managed to escape the venue, with David sustaining a gunshot wound to the foot in the process.
According to Katie, the near-death experience led them to totally ‘re-evaluate their lives’, and they are looking forward to starting a new chapter with their little one.
Place de la Republique the night after and a year after the #November #ParisAttacks pic.twitter.com/LuUmWc1IJT
— Georg Matthes (@georg_matthes) November 12, 2016
“We won’t let the horror that touched our lives in anyway impact our child’s future. Protecting your child is instinctive. We can’t allow fear to dominate our future,” Katie added.
We’re wishing them the very best of luck with the journey ahead.
