A Tribute to Nóra Quoirin and her Family from CEO of Ineqe Safeguarding Group Jim Gamble

Statement on Nóra Quoirin

“There are many members of Nora’s family who live in Belfast, other parts of Ireland, the UK and beyond these shores. Some have flown out to support her Mum and Dad in Malaysia, and others have maintained vital communication links with those who can provide advice and bring influence to bare.

At this most difficult of times I would like to pay tribute to them all. This tightly knit group of relatives and close friends have epitomised everything that’s good about people, families and friends who rally to support one another in times of crisis.

Public support has been overwhelming.  We now need to give the family time and space to deal with their grief.  In the days ahead, depending on the evidence police are able to access and consider, Nora’s final journey may be better understood. In the meantime, second guessing the professionals working on the ground in Malaysia or publicly speculating about the circumstances will help no one.

My deepest sympathies to the immediate and extended family of Nóra, may she rest in peace”. – Jim Gamble QPM

An intensive ten-day long search and rescue operation came to a devastating end yesterday following the discovery and identification of 15-year-old Nóra Quoirin’s body in Malaysia.

Yesterday, The Lucie Blackman Trust released a statement from the Quoirin family:

“The Lucie Blackman Trust can confirm with great sadness that the body found today is that of missing teenager Nóra Quoirin. Local police have confirmed identification”.

Nóra and her family had been staying at the Dunsun resort, around 40 miles from Kuala Lumpur. Following Nóra’s disappearance the search and rescue operation saw around 350 domestic and international police, volunteers, press and concerned locals supporting the desperate efforts to find her.

Today Nóra’s school, St Bede’s in London will open from 1pm for family, friends and the local community to join together in strength and prayer for Nóra and her family.

Statement from the Quoirin family:

"We would like to thank all the people that have been searching for Nóra and trying their best to find her. We thank the local people here and those far and wide for their prayers and support at this time.

Nóra has brought people together especially from France, Ireland, Britain and Malaysia, united in their love and support for her and her family. She has truly touched the whole world. To all our friends and family at home, we can’t thank you enough for all your love.

Nóra is at the heart of our family. She is the truest, most precious girl and we love her infinitely. The cruelly of her being taken away is unbearable. Our hearts are broke.

We will always love our Nóra."

Media Links:

BBC NEWS: Nóra Quoirin: Rescuers describe how they found teenager's body in Malaysian jungle.

BBC Radio Ulster: Jim Gamble pays respect to the Quoirin family live on Good Morning Ulster (starts around 8.00am).

BBC Radio Ulster: Jim Gamble speaks to Stephen Nolan about Nóra Quoirin (starts around 10.15am).

RTÉ: 'Our hearts are broken' - Quoirin family devastated after Nóra's body discovered.