THE sentiments and sympathies of the people of Blackburn are with the families of Dunblane this week - but for one man the tragedy lies closer to home.

For one of the 16 innocent children whose lives were cruelly cut short was the young relative of Martin Douglas, general manager of the charity, Blackburn Church Action.

Martin, who works for the Benefits Agency but on a one year secondment with the charity, learned that John Petrie, the 'miracle son' of his cousin Ellen, was among the dead.

"What is even sadder about his death," said Martin "is that Ellen and her husband Sandy had been trying for a family for years before John arrived. When he was born it was like a miracle for them and their lives revolved around John.

"Now he has been cruelly taken from them and for medical reasons they cannot have another child."

Such was the excitement at John's birth, his time of arrival 10.22am was always remembered. Five years later he died at exactly the same time. He was buried yesterday (Wednesday) at the Church of the Holy Family in Dunblane.

Martin, originally from Stirling, has just returned home after a visit to the grief-stricken community with his wife Trisha.

"The family is devastated but they are sharing their grief with the other families who lost children. The clergy and others have given invaluable support."

He added: "I took with me the thoughts and prayers of local people and reflected those sentiments in an entry in the Book of Remembrance in Dunblane Cathedral."

He also took with him a card expressing the shock and sadness of the St Anne's community in the centre of Blackburn and passed on the condolences of Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn Church Action, the Pentecostal Church and others.

Martin said that Ellen and Sandy were too devastated to see him and that the best comfort was coming from other parents who had lost their children. "With that tremendous mutual support it did not seem right to intrude," he said.

"Personally I am still profoundly shocked by the tragedy but I am deeply moved by the expressions of genuine concern and support from everyone I meet. The event has made me suddenly put things into their proper perspective, recognising the really important things in life.

"I sincerely hope that these young lives and the life of their caring, loving teacher are not lost in vain. We owe it to our children."

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