Lightning strike victim '˜still critical but stable'

PACEMAKER BELFAST 07/06/2016
A man and boy, understood to be father and son, are both critically ill after being struck by lightning in Lisburn. A girl, believed to be the man's daughter, was also seriously injured. The incident happened in the Laurelhill area of the city at around 1.55pm on Tuesday. All three casualties have been taken to hospital after ambulance crews attended the scene, with the man being treated at Lagan Valley and the two children being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS — PACEMAKER BELFAST 07/06/2016 A man and boy, understood to be father and son, are both critically ill after being struck by lightning in Lisburn. A girl, believed to be the man's daughter, was also seriously injured. The incident happened in the Laurelhill area of the city at around 1.55pm on Tuesday. All three casualties have been taken to hospital after ambulance crews attended the scene, with the man being treated at Lagan Valley and the two children being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS

George Allen was collecting his two children from Killowen Primary School when the incident happened last Tuesday.

A defibrillator was used at the scene on all three who were then taken to the Ulster Hospital.

The Allen family has called for the life-saving devices to be available in every school.

The two children - seven-year-old Georgia and her five-year-old brother Geordie - were well enough to leave hospital on Wednesday.

In a statement released by the South Eastern Trust yesterday, Mr Allen’s wife Sharon said the family said wanted to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, support and prayers.

“As you can imagine, this has been totally shocking and devastating for us all. Through this difficult time, the fact that the children have come through as they have is a blessing. They are both home and doing well,” the family said.

“There is still a long way to go for George, however at this time he is the most stable he has been. He has fought hard and continues to fight.

“George would be speechless at the outpouring of love and support Sharon and the family have received.

“The fund that was set up is testament to the community and a clear demonstration of the good in people.

“When people need a helping hand, all have provided it in their own way.”

The family has moved to clarify that Mr Allen was not using his mobile phone at the time of the incident, does not have any metal plates fitted and was not holding an umbrella.

“This was a tragic, freak accident,” they said.