Prayer service for Downpatrick woman left fighting for her life

Prayer service for Downpatrick woman left fighting for her life

21 December 2016

A PRAYER service has been held outside the home of Downpatrick woman Joleen Corr who remains seriously ill in a Belfast hospital after being assaulted.

Joleen was attacked in her Thomas Russell Park home on December 2. A man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder.

Last Saturday evening, friends and neighbours gathered outside the young woman’s home to say a few short prayers in an event led by Fr Maurice Henry. He was joined by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie.

The MP said people’s thoughts, prayers, reflections and support are with Joleen and her family as she lies in hospital recovering from her injuries.

Speaking at the short prayer service, Miss Ritchie said people were standing to support not only Joleen but all victims of terror and violence.

“As local residents and members of the wider community, we join together in solidarity to support Joleen and her family and to wish her a speedy recovery at this time of Christmas which is a period of celebration, of hope and expectation, looking forward to the opportunities presented by the New Year.”

Last week, Joleen’s mother said she felt “helpless” as her daughter lay critically injured in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Carol Corr — who is keeping a vigil at her daughter’s bedside — said in an interview that “she wouldn’t wish this on anyone in the world.”

She continued: “Everyone keeps telling me to stay positive but how can I? How can I be positive when my daughter is lying in intensive care? My heart is breaking and 

there is nothing I can do to help her. I never thought I would see the day my daughter is lying there in intensive care with tubes coming out of her to keep her alive.”

The devastated mother said she wants to hold her daughter and “make it all better.” Joleen recently celebrated her 26th birthday with her parents taking her out for a meal when they “had a lovely time with her.”