Whitehead exchange student safe after Mexico earthquake

Sixteen-year-old Carol Beggs from the area, had been out in Mexico on a school exchange programme when the natural disaster struck.

The Belfast High pupil had only been out in the region for a few short weeks, and was due to stay in the country for a year.

Her parents were extremely worried after hearing news of the quake, and panicked when they did not hear from their daughter. It took three days before news reached them that she was safe and well.

“We were absolutely delighted to hear she was fine after waiting so long for confirmation,” her mother said.

The family were contacted by the group who were organising the exchange programme, and were looking forward to hearing from Carol herself.

When Carol’s mother heard that she had been accepted for the exchange programme, she had initially hoped that her daughter would be going to the USA. She was apprehensive when she found out that Mexico would be her daughter’s destination, but could not stop Carol going.