Community prays for Cookstown pensioner Maud Kells shot in Congo days after OBE honour

Cookstown woman Maud Kells, 76 has been shot in the Democratic Republic of Congo, just days after being named as an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours.
Maud Kells in her Moneymore Road, Cookstown, home.INMM4012-135ar.Maud Kells in her Moneymore Road, Cookstown, home.INMM4012-135ar.
Maud Kells in her Moneymore Road, Cookstown, home.INMM4012-135ar.

It is understood she was attacked at her home near Mulita, in the north-east of the country, on Sunday night.

The nurse, from Cookstown, was shot twice in the shoulder and is believed to be in a stable condition in hospital.

A statement from WEC International said: “She has been flown by MAF to a hospital in Nyunkunde (DRC) where she is reported to be stable, speaking and recognizes people.”

Maud Kells in her Moneymore Road, Cookstown, home.INMM4012-135ar.Maud Kells in her Moneymore Road, Cookstown, home.INMM4012-135ar.
Maud Kells in her Moneymore Road, Cookstown, home.INMM4012-135ar.

Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, said: “Only a few days ago we heard the news that Maud is to be awarded a great Honour from Her Majesty the Queen and now today, this terrible news that she has been shot doing her work in the Congo, is shocking.

“I am sure that I share this sadness with so many people from Cookstown and across Mid-Ulster.

“Having spoken to her sister tonight, I understand that Maud’s condition is now stable.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Maud as she recovers. I am sure that there will be numerous well-wishers thinking of Maud tonight and in the days ahead.

“Those that know Maud will hope that her usual determination will provide her with strength to recover from this terrible incident.”

Ian McCrea, a Democratic Unionist Party Assembly Member for Mid Ulster said on Twitter: “My thoughts and prayers are with Maud Kells tonight as she recovers from being shot twice in the shoulder.”

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