Navigating the Storm

Jodie is the widow of Lewis Mulhearn, who had been a fisherman since he was 17, becoming a skipper at 21. On 15 December 2020, whilst out crabbing, the vessel, Galwad-Y-Mor, caught on their line of pots a WWII bomb laying on the seabed which exploded, causing the boat to fly into the air. Lewis was left with head injuries, three broken vertebrae, a broken sternum, knee damage, a broken orbital bone and multiple facial lacerations. He received the ‘Emile Robin’ Award from SMS for his bravery after his actions to save himself and his crew.

While recovering from his injuries he was unable to work and the family ended up getting in debt to be able to get by. The boat was badly damaged but underwent repairs and Lewis eventually Lewis returned to sea.

Very sadly on 21 January 2023, the mental and physical impact of the explosion took their toll and in the early hours when he was due to leave to go back to sea, Lewis ended his life. He left his widow Jodie and 3 boys: Frankie, Lewie and Reggie. He also had 2 step children and the youngest boy, Will lived at home with them and assisted his mum that morning. Jodie doesn’t work and Lewis was the main breadwinner which has left her feeling anxious about her situation now and in the future. She suffers with arthritis in her joints and receives PIP due to it.

When the boat was undergoing repairs, Lewis was recovering from his physical injuries and did a few trips on other boats, but they struggled financially to manage their household budget and pay creditors. Jodie was referred to SAIL for assistance with managing her debts.

Since joining our scheme eighteen months ago, the family have had a respite break, which helped them start to heal from the trauma they have experienced. All three boys have received school uniforms and winter clothing from the charity. Each month, the family receives financial support that is used to pay for gas, electricity and food.

Jodie says, “This has been a very difficult time for me and my children, and having support from Sailors’ Children’s Society was a big help at a devastating time when it was difficult to get through each day. It is extremely helpful to me to have the ongoing support from Sailors’ Children’s Society that has enabled the children to have stability still and to do some of the things they enjoy.”