US couple’s €17k for first aid at Cliffs

A COUPLE from the US whose newborn son tragically passed away at the Cliffs of Moher in July 2006 have handed over a cheque of $25,000 (€17,700) towards first aid services at the world-renowned attraction.

Since February 2007, first aid treatment and assistance to more than 500 visitors has been provided from Nicholas’s Room — named after the son of Delia Garcia-Stokes and Kelly Stokes from Phoenix, Arizona.

Nicholas’s remains are buried at Drumcliffe Cemetery in Ennis.

Kelly said yesterday the visit “is an important part of our healing process, a process that will never be over”.

He said: “We want to remain involved in supporting the facility and the staff who provide the first aid services here. We are working on ideas with the centre to develop the relationship in new ways.”

In 2006, Delia went into premature labour while visiting the site and Nicolas was born. However he passed away soon after.

Recalling previously the assistance Cliffs’ staff offered, Kelly said: “The ladies here working at the Cliffs showed no fear. When I first approached them at the desk on the day and told them what was happening, they took charge, they took control and marched us right into a separate room.

“They just did what they had to do. They were very compassionate, very comforting, told us everything was going to be okay, don’t panic and that was the biggest blessing of all.”

Twenty four staff at the tourist centre have received advanced first aid training and the first aid room is equipped to the level of a cardiac ambulance.