Tragic NI teenager’s comic book published six years after his death

Mark Colgan died after he was knocked down outside his home in Banbridge in 2014.

His mum Felicity said: “He’d have been 21 on Monday. We always do something for his birthday whether it’s a coffee morning or a big breakfast, last year his own wee friends organised a football match. We were just blown away by that. But because of the pandemic you can’t really have those get togethers.

“There was a lot of comic books he had made upstairs in a cupboard. We thought that would be a perfect thing to do for what would be his 21st. To publish one of his comics (Super Santa) with all proceeds going to Road Safe NI Newry, Mourne and Down.

“They do counselling sessions, group sessions. You went in there and were sitting with other mothers, fathers. brothers, sisters, even grandchildren who’d lost loved ones, I found them very helpful.”

Mark died outside his home on the Scarva Road with his mother just yards away. He was waiting across the road for a bus to school.

Felicity said: “This Thursday morning there was very, very heavy rain outside. Whenever I opened the curtain it was teeming down. I said, ‘sure come across and I’ll take you down to Scarva’.

“The poor wee pet didn’t get across the road. He got hit. Once I got out I knew that was it. Hoping against hope you’re going over to the hospital, it just wasn’t to be.”

As well as his love of comics Mark was keen on sports – anything that involved a ball, said Felicity: “That’s what keeps me strong. I know he did have a good life and he did fit a lot into those years.

Of his comics she said: “When he’d finished one he’d have sat it down in front of us, you’d have read it and giggled and laughed the whole way through. He stood over you to see your reaction.

“The feedback we’re getting from the comics, it’s just lovely to think he’s still bringing laughter and joy into people’s lives. For anybody that didn’t know him his wee personality comes through on every page.”

Felicity, who is married to Mervyn and has two other children – Paul and Aideen – said: “When you’re reading Mark’s books it does bring him closer. He’s always in your head.”

She said the fact Mark is no longer there can sometimes hit her very hard: “It could be a smell, it could be a song and it just tears your heart out.”

The comic book is £10, all of which goes directly to the charity. It is available in the Eurospar and Walshes newsagents, both on Scarva Street, Banbridge and in the Costcutter in Loughbrickland. It can also be bought via PayPal ([email protected])

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