I may have been widowed twice but I still feel like the luckiest man on Earth

Kids are a precious legacy for Martin on Father's Day

-  EIMEAR O'HAGAN

Martin Eggleston's wishes for Father's Day tomorrow are simple ones. A cup of coffee in bed, a card and a sunny walk with his three children.

"I don't need any grand gestures or gifts. Just spending time with the children is enough for me, they bring me so much joy," says Martin.

"But, as with every special day or milestone in our family life, there will be a poignancy too, because two important people are missing. My two wives - and the children's mums - Jane and Kirsty.

Martin's journey to being a solo father of three has been a tragic one.

Widowed twice within seven years, the 50-year-old is now dad, stepdad and sole carer to his own daughter Amy, 16, from his first marriage to Jane, and to Daniel, 17, and Luke, 11, who are the sons of his late second wife Kirsty.

"I vividly remember after Kirsty's death in 2020 the realisation of who I was now, and the responsibility I carried. It hit me with such force it was overwhelming.

"Back then, I really had no idea how I would cope. However, we have not only coped together, we have thrived, as a family of four and I am so proud of all of us."

Martin first experienced the devastating pain of losing a spouse in February 2014, when Jane died, six years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.