THE families of Ben and Catherine Mullany have today launched a memorial fund to keep the tragic couple’s dreams alive.  Trainee physiotherapist Ben and qualified doctor Cath, from South Wales, were killed on their honeymoon in Antigua.

The new charity, The Mullany Fund, will support medical students wanting to train as doctors or physiotherapists. Ben’s brother Adam, aged 23, said: “Cath and Ben dreamed of a married life caring for others in the local community—Cath as a doctor and Ben as a physiotherapist. Their dreams were cut short.

“As a family, we have lost two beloved members. The Mullany Fund will help us preserve their memories and ensure their dreams live on.”

Ben and Cath met just over three years ago. Cath’s mum said the pair soon hit it off. “It soon became obvious they were made for each other,” she said. “They were blissfully happy together and full of plans for the future.”

On July 12, the happy couple had a fairytale wedding in the picturesque Swansea Valley. Two days later, they jetted off to Antigua, to stay at Cocos Hotel—dubbed one of the isle’s most romantic locations.

However, on July 27, one day before their departure, the dream honeymoon turned to tragedy. Their chalet was broken into at 5am and both newlyweds were shot. Catherine, aged 31, died instantly. Ben passed away a week later in Morriston Hospital, after being flown home.

Two Antiguan men have since been charged with their murder, and are expected to stand trial next year. As well as coming to terms with the loss, their families have also seen the couple’s names become linked with a cruel murder. However, they are aiming for The Mullany Fund to reclaim the memory of Ben and Cath as a talented and caring couple.

Family and friends have worked on all aspects of the fund, from the design of the logo to the setting up of a dedicated website. It has already gained the support of The Duchess of York and sporting legend Sir Viv Richards.

Adam added: “The Mullany Fund has been launched by the family and friends of Cath and Ben to support UK students wishing to study medicine or physiotherapy.”

“As a country, we have lost a well-respected doctor and a promising physiotherapist. While we will never replace Cath and Ben, this fund will help others to fill their shoes and continue the work they had started.”

A memorial service for Ben and Cath will be held in Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, at noon next Wednesday. The couple were buried in a private funeral ceremony, exactly one month on at the same church they married.

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