Farewell to Angels

Alex de Vos
Modewarre train smash survivor 10-year-old Nicholas Angel put on a brave face as he entered St Mary’s Basilica in Geelong yesterday to farewell mother Sue and sister Caitlin, 12.
He promised to look after his father, Tony, and younger brother Cameron, 8, as he embraced mourners outside the church.
“I’ll look after my brother,” Nicholas told them.
Hundreds of mourners including family, school friends, work colleagues and sport team members joined Mr Angel and his sons at the funeral.
Mrs Angel and Caitlin died when their family car collided with a Warrnambool-bound passenger last week. Mr Angel, Nicholas and Cameron escaped the smash with injuries.
The brothers were taken to Royal Children’s Hospital, while their father was flown to The Alfred Hospital. Family Maltese terrier Molly also died in the smash.
Family friend Jean Myers said before the funeral that Mr Angel and his sons were physically “well” but emotionally “just hanging in there”.
“The boys have been released from hospital and are staying with relatives in Geelong,” she said.
“The funeral will be very emotional for everyone involved – family and friends.”
Mr Angel’s employer, Statewide Fire Protection, last week established an appeal to raise money for the Angels.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the appeal can phone the company on 5272 3355 or visit its premises at 13 Separation Street, North Geelong.