30 years ago today I couldn't have been happier. The next day that all changed as the whole world watched.

[dunblanemum]

30 years ago today i had two beautiful children, a new job i loved and we were thinking about moving house. Then the next day my eldest daughter went to school and did not return. On that snowy morning in the quiet town of Dunblane she was one of the children shot and killed as she had fun in her gym class.

I still remember that day like it was yesterday and it still hurts, but life has gone on and i have a lot to be grateful for. In my own life things have mostly been good. We had an another child and both my children are now adults living fulfilling, happy lives. My husband and I are retired and enjoying a life of leisure and travel. Our successful campaign at the time to ban handguns means there has never been another shooting in a British school. That we have made the lives of innumerable children safer, makes me content.

I wanted to post as i think people often wonder how parents who have lost children in terrible circumstances manage to go on. I think the only thing i can say is that you get through it, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Then those days turn into months then years and before you know here we are 30 year on. So the short answer probably is that time gets you through it. Plus greta friends and a lot of wine! Tears and laughter is how i survived.

I am not expecting anything from this post. I just wanted to write it down as i find myself alone this afternoon and pondering on it all.

I am so so sorry for the loss of your wee girl.

I was at secondary school not too far away and our teacher got called away as he had children at school in Dunblane. We didn’t fully know what had happened at first but I’ll never forget the look on his face on being given the message.

Thank you for everything you did in the aftermath to keep all of our children safe. You should be so proud of everything you achieved. Sending lots of love ❤️

Oh my heart goes out to you. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on that day. 💐💐💐

Your daughter and her classmates will never ever be forgotten

So much love and hugs to you. Thank you for your campaigning and courage.

I remember this awful tragedy - I was in sixth form and remember the news reports and the papers the next day.

I recently watched the documentary and am astounded at the strength and commitment of all of the families who had had the worst thing in the world happen to them, but campaigned on behalf of our country and all of the children. As someone who’s had a child since, thank you - I’m proud that the ban was achieved saving so many future lives.

We’ll never forget those children, their teacher and you the families that made the difference x

My children are grown now but enjoyed a safe schooling in no small part due to your campaign for the handgun ban.
God bless you, and may your daughter and all the other children and their teacher Rest in Peace.

I had to comment. I'm so sorry for what happened, I can't begin to imagine. My teenage DB died in an accident and that was awful and public but doesn't begin to compare.
On that day in March 1996 DH, our baby son and I moved into our new home. We'd done enough to make it inhabitable. I had the tv on in the background and sat glued to it while nursing my new baby. I too remember it like it was yesterday and every year think of those darling children, teachers and your families.

I have seen you post over the years, @dunblanemum - I am so sorry for your terrible loss and am glad you have built a happy life despite enduring such horror. I always think of you and the other Dunblane parents at this time of year, particularly poor Mick North who lost both his wife and only child in such a short space of time.

You and your beautiful children are not forgotten.

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your lovely girl. I remember that day well, and still feel sick to my stomach and incredibly sad about what was done.

I’m glad there has also been light in your life.

Heartfelt thanks for your incredible achievement getting the hand gun ban. It’s thanks to you that many lives have been and will be saved.

Sending you my very best wishes.

I absolutely do remember that morning and the last time i saw her. it was snowing that morning and she wanted to wear her wellies which was fine. There was a bus that took children from our side of town to the school at the other side but she didn't get on it often as i worried it wasn't safe ( Oh the irony). She was in the huff as the childminder was collecting her and she hid behind the door when she arrived. I remember putting her into the car, fastening her in and kissing her goodbye and going to work. A fairly normal morning by anyone's standards really.

Op my heart goes out to you, I’ll never forget that day because I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy at 9.45am. That evening I remember the two ladies coming round the maternity ward with books and they told us that they wouldn’t have any newspapers the next day for whatever excuse they made up.
I never did find out what happened until a couple of days later after going home.
I also remember a comment from an older neighbour when she found out what day my baby was born she said what a day to have a baby you could have waited .. I also felt so sad that I was so happy with my new baby and parents had lost their beautiful children.
Tomorrow my son is 30 and I always think of the children who died the day my son was born….sending you love op

❤️❤️❤️

As a Scottish person for me It's one of those days you never forget.
I remember sitting in class the teacher put the radio on and cried.
Thank you for sharing your story

Thank you for the campaign - your work has benefited the entire country, and given the world a benchmark

I’m so sorry. Thinking of you and your beautiful girl.

I was a teen and this just devastated me at the time. I don't have the words to say how sorry I am.

I remember walking my children to primary on one of the anniversaries and thinking how grateful I was to the campaign to ban handguns

I was in Yr 5, and remember vividly the horror and then the changes at school (huge metal gates and fences). I am devasted for your loss OP, I sobbed through the recent programme on TV speaking to the parents. I am eternally grateful to you for the successful campaign against handgun ownership. Sending love to you, your DH and your children as the anniversary comes around

I have no words, only that you are inspiration and you have done your daughter proud x

I remember that day clearly as a happy go lucky 15 year old, then my view of the world changed.

Thank you for sharing the memories of your daughter ❤️ and thank you for making our world safer through your campaigning 💐

Thank you so much for sharing your brave words.
Thank you so much for your brave campaigning, too.
For anyone who can remember that day, who was around and took in the news, it will never, ever be forgotten.
I can remember watching it with my parents as a young adult, and they told me about the day that Aberfan happened and how that had always stayed with them.
As a huge tennis fan I know both Andy Murray and his brother have touched on what happened.
But for you, it is a loss so hard to imagine.
I don’t know you by name, or your daughter’s, but you and your beautiful little girl and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.

No words. I remember it as if it was yesterday. 🫂

Thank you for campaigning to make our children safer, whilst going through the most awful loss.

@dunblanemum I was 25 years old driving home after a client meeting listening to the news on the radio. I had to pull into a lay by as I cried for you and your families & couldn't see the road ahead. Xx

Thinking of you and your family. A lovely post to remember her and remind us

❤️❤️ they are not forgotten.
I remember this happening and I am sorry for your loss x