Suffolk family host festival in tribute to father killed in Tunisia terror attacks 10 years ago

ITV News

8 hours ago

Natalie Gray speaks to the Cullen family 10 years on from the terror attack which killed Stuart Cullen
The family of a man who was shot and killed in a terror attack at a Tunisian holiday resort a decade ago say a festival they have organised is a fitting way to celebrate his memory.
Stuart Cullen, 52, was on holiday with his wife Christine in the resort of Sousse when a gunman opened fire, killing him and 37 other, mostly British tourists, on 26 June 2015.
Ten years on, Mrs Cullen, who also sustained injuries during the massacre, and the couple's daughter Emma-Jayne Herbert, 32, are hosting a special event to mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
The event, called Here Comes The Sun - Stu's Festival will be held at The Plough at Blundeston in Suffolk on Saturday with all proceeds going to the child bereavement charity Nelson's Journey.
Recalling the events of 2015, Mrs Cullen, from Carlton Colville in Suffolk, told ITV News Anglia: "We were running out of the front of the hotel. We were almost to safety.
"The bomb went off and I could see, because of the amount of blood that was there that there was nothing I could do and I just looked at him and I said 'I love you' and he said 'I love you too' and then he slipped away."
Their daughter was back in the UK working as a freelance photographer in London during the attack.
She said she instinctively knew something terrible had happened.
Mrs Herbert said: "It was definitely the hardest day I've ever experienced in my life - just galling not knowing but yet knowing something is wrong.
"I guess the whole world stood still and I could feel it in my bones that I had lost someone."
The family were very close and referred to themselves as The Three Musketeers but Mrs Cullen believes her late husband would be proud that the pair were holding a music festival.
She said: "He would love it and the fact we are having a beer and listening to great music - even better."
Mrs Herbert added: "He would want us to spread light and positivity and not be wallowing and be by ourselves.
"He would want us to be surrounded by our family and friends and having a good time."
The event will include "live music, activities for all the family, and the largest raffle you've ever seen" according to the Facebook page.
Nelson's Journey - a bereavement charity helping children - will be the beneficiaries.
Mrs Herbert said: "My mum and I wouldn't have gotten through the past 10 years without the support of charities, our family liaison officers and family and friends, so Nelson's Journey feels close to our hearts, offering the support that we know is so imperative for others to move forward and continue to live their lives after a huge bereavement."
When Mrs Herbert got married, her mother gave her away in an outfit she had made from one of her Mr Cullen's suits.
Now, she is expecting her first baby, and admits that not having her father around is difficult.
She said: "Without Dad the life milestones are definitely so much harder. Even now, with the new baby on the way we know that we keep Dad alive by adopting his values.
"Although he won't be here to see it he'll still be very much a part of it."