This article is from page 18 of the 2006-05-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
CLARE’S first ever suicide awareness walk has been hailed a success by organisers Claire and Sasha O’Brien and Keith Molloy.
The money raised surpassed all expectations, with an amazing €24,000 collected for the Samaritans.
“If we raised €10,000, we would have been over the moon, but we are even more delighted by the awareness we raised,” said Mr Molloy.
More than 300 people turned out on the day for the main event. Further funds were raised through a pub quiz, pub collection on St Patrick’s night and bag packing in Tesco.
The walk, which was held last month, was originally organised in the memory of Claire O’Brien’s brother, Peter.
Aware of the devastation suicide can cause to a family, Ms O’Brien hoped that raising awareness through the walk would help erase the taboo surrounding the subject.
Mr Molloy, who lost seven Clare friends through suicide in the last two years, said the response to the walk gave a small indication of the number of people affected by the issue.
The only 24-hour support for potential suicide victims in Clare is the Samaritans, according to Mr Molloy. This was why all money raised went to the charity.
The organising committee wished to thank the Barge Rooms for providing a venue and refreshments on the day of the walk.
A special thanks also went to Mary Coote, who provided food on the day, and Kevin Cooper and The Banner Motor Club for escorting the walkers.
The group also thanked “Logies Bar” for hosting the quiz and Quiz Master, Slim Corry.
Finally a special word of gratitude was sent to all the walkers and sponsors.