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 remember that day too. I was in my first year at university and met with two friends each week to pray together. We watched the news in shock that day and prayed for you all then and the weeks that followed. It's also the date of my sister's birthday and I still think of this most years. Thanks for all you did to campaign against handguns.

I just wanted to add my voice to those who remember, sending so much love to you, OP x

@dunblanemum
I’m local to you and remember all too well that morning .
My friends were taught by Mrs Mayor, I was at another school .
I never have forgotten the events that day and think of everyone often and visit the cemetery often to pray for them .
God bless you all , and will be thinking of you tomorrow.

I was working as a primary school teacher at the time and remember the disbelief and heartbreak we all felt when the Head came into the staffroom
that day and broke the news to us all.
There are no words for what you and all the other families have had to suffer. It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years 😓. Watching the excellent documentary on BBC2 tonight brought me back to that day-not a dry eye in our house.

Thank you for telling us about your beautiful little girl. She, her friends and their lovely teacher will never be forgotten ❤️

It’s so frustrating when news of yet another school shooting happens in America. The remedy is in their own hands and they do nothing.

My eldest son was 6 at the time. I cannot tell you how affected I was and continue to be, when the news broke. I will never be able to fully understand your heartbreak but please know there are people out there who hold your daughter, her schoolmates and their teachers in our hearts forever ♥️

We remember.
Crying reading this. Your daughter sounded like a lovely little girl. Thinking of you and the other families.

Sending love and thanks ❤️

I was in the US last year and was amazed at the way so many seem to accept school shootings as though it’s a risk not dissimilar to allowing your kids to cross a road.

I’m so grateful that in the UK it ‘s not something we worry about and that’s because of the life-changing work of you and the other parents. Thank you.

I was 9 at the time and I don’t remember that day although I’m told I was very affected by it emotionally. I do remember some of the aftermarth on the tv and I also had a tape of a song that was released (I’m not sure if it was in memory or as a fundraising thing) which I vividly remember and listened to often for years after.
Anytime I hear ‘Dumblane’ on the TV or radio (often while Andy Murray was at his height!) I think of those children and families.
I wasn’t really aware of much of the campaign afterwards although I have read about it since. I’m amazed by what you all managed to achieve in the face of unimaginable grief. And as someone else said I have always been proud of how quickly the country took action.
I haven’t watched the documentary yet but after reading this thread definitely will

I was a teacher heavily pregnant with my second child. I was at home that day unwell. I remember sitting on the sofa watching TV and bawling my eyes out. I hoped I could be as brave as Gwen Mayor. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry, and I am grateful to you for your campaigning which has so far saved us from the dangers of hand guns

This is such a beautiful post Op.

It is so moving that, coming through such horror and pain, you can still speak with such words. I'm glad that despite the devastation, there is still joy from her life.

I'm sure she was a wonderful little soul - just like her mother.

Im so very sorry your amazing dd was taken op. I wish you and your family peace and thank you for the peace you've given others with the banning of hand guns 💐

I am so sorry @dunblanemum and am just posting to send my love and thanks as so many others have
I remember that day vividly too. My children were young, the youngest in reception. Before that day, parents would wander into the playground to wait and chat before and after school but that day we arrived to find all gates and doors locked as they have been ever since. The parents waiting outside the gates were all very subdued and there was a lot of quiet tears for you and your children.
Thank you for all you have done to protect those who followed

Your poor angel we remember her and her friends. She would have been proud of you all and wanted you to have as happy a life as you could. Xx

Thank you for posting this OP. You sound lovely and I really appreciate your posts. I’m so glad you have a peaceful life and a happy family. We will never forget your daughter and her friends and I’m utterly grateful for the legacy they have left which has kept generations of children in the UK safer.

I was a young primary teacher at the time (I'm an old primary teacher now!) The day after Dunblane schools changed forever, with workmen adding locks and entry buzzers to our gates and key pads to our external doors.

I always think of Dunblane at this time of year. Thoughts today with you and yours, OP.

I vividly remember that day, I was babysitting my friend's 6 year old and she had been sent to the scene. She was exceptionally distressed afterwards.

I remember your daughter, her classmates and their teacher every year when I see the snowdrops blooming.

Your daughter is not forgotten, @dunblanemum .

I have cried for her. Stopped my car and listened as their names were read out on one of the anniversaries.

Thank you for your courage and determination in getting handguns banned and for saving so much more potential pain.

I remember that day vividly and still do.
My sincere condolences to you and my admiration for all you've achieved in life since. A fitting tribute to your daughter and family. Best wishes to you.

I have read your posts over the years @dunblanemum and was thinking of you earlier. Wishing you a happy retirement with your DH and DD's. I live on the other side of the world but remember the day clearly (Was 19 and at work) XXX

I have often wondered how parents survive this sort of atrocity so it's lovely to read that you've gone on to have a good and happy life.

I always remember reading one bereaved mother saying that there were fingerprints of her child on her window pane and she didn't know how to deal with that. She couldn't wipe those traces away.

@dunblanemum I remember the day so vividly…which is odd as I was only in Primary 1 myself. My Nana collected me from my small village primary school around an hour away from Dunblane and the cuddle she gave me is one that I’ll never forget. I remember feeling overwhelmed by her holding me so tightly. I remember her crying. I had to ask her to let me go.

Of course, I was too young at the time to fully appreciate the magnitude of the event that had taken place. I just remember all the adults acting differently. But, sitting here now as a mummy whose first child is starting Primary 1 this year - I feel it now. I would like to say ‘thank you’. To you and the other parents who faced such an unimaginable loss but still managed to find the strength to push so hard for change ❤️

The way you write about your daughter is so beautiful. I’m sure wherever her and her best friend are now, they are still causing beautiful chaos as a great team.

Bless you sending big hugs 🥰