'It's like living a nightmare'

Patrick and Eileen of Straid Road are among the thousands affected by the chaos caused by the volcanic ash cloud currently disrupting air travel.

A farrier, Patrick and his wife left behind their two children to spend three days away looking after the Irish horses during a competition in Bilamoura.

Due to arrive home last Thursday, the couple were told that their flight had been cancelled and they faced major delays.

Speaking to Patrick's mother, Patricia explained: "I was speaking to Eileen last night (Sunday) and she said 'It's like living a nightmare'.

"They went on Monday to help shoe Irish horses in a competition at Bilamoura in Portugal. They were both really looking forward to it as it was a three day break. They decided to leave the children with me and their other granny in Bushmills.

"However when Thursday arrived they were told that their flight had been cancelled and the airline had no idea when it would get up and running again.

"It may sound great but they just really want to get home now - the novelty of being away has worn off. It's hard enough being strand but it's even worse in a foreign place where they don't speak the language and just want their home comforts. They have also run out of clean clothes, are living out of suit cases, their mobile phones have run out of charge, so they can't even contact anyone, and they really want to see the children. Eileen is particularly anxious and distressed, she never leaves the children and is missing them terribly. They to are really missing their mummy and daddy and keep asking when they will be home.

"It's awful for us to as we feel totally helpless."

Not knowing when the next flight would leave for Belfast, both Patrick and Eileen decided to take radical action to ensure they got home as soon as possible.

Patricia continued: "They decided to jump on the back of one of the arctic horse lorry's which were leaving Portugal for Northern Ireland. I believe they are in Paris at the minute (Monday) and they are hoping to get the ferry tonight and arrive in England tomorrow morning. I know it sounds funny but when you're desperate you'll do anything to get home. There's not much comfort in the back of one of those lorry's - but needs must.

"I'm sure when they get home there will be an emotional scene and then a hot bath. Eileen is meant to be going back to Portugal in July but she said she's 'not so sure anymore'!"