Tragically the Killen family, of Castletown, were told 2 weeks ago that their mum, Jean Gilmour, had a terminal diagnosis of secondary cancer. The cancer was first diagnosed at the beginning of March 2020, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the hospital was unable to provide immediate treatment and so she spent her last days at home relying only on the care of her elderly husband.

The Killen family heritage is truly Manx. Jean’s three children, Tim, Dean and Elly, were born and raised in the Isle of Man, attending Castle Rushen High School and have gone on to raise their own families in the UK and Australia. Since hearing the tragic news they have all tried desperately to apply for permission to travel to the island to support their elderly dad, Eddie, and also to say their final goodbyes to their beloved mum.

The Isle of Man Government advised by email; on the 15th March 2020; that they would not be able to return to the Island and so are unable to support their dad Eddie, or to be able to grieve as a family and attend their Mum’s funeral. 

The Killen family have openly expressed their willingness to comply with all requirements with regards to health and safety and self-isolation, to return to the Isle of Man to be able to pay their final respects as a family to their mum and support their dad Eddie.

Have we really come this far away from normality, that we are happy with denying a family this compassion and dignity?

Now is the time to convince the Isle of Man government to respectfully assist the requests of the Killen family, and all Manx people in exceptional circumstances who require a human solution.

Let’s work together to support the mental and physical well-being of everyone at this exceptional and difficult time.