BRAVE volunteers are to
walk barefoot over hot coals to help families
bereaved by suicide in Donegal.
The Twin Towns Fire Walk is being held in
Stranorlar-Ballybofey - hometown of sisters Erin and
Shannon Gallagher who died by suicide just weeks
apart in 2012.
The unique fundraising challenge is being organised
by local members of the national suicide prevention
and bereavement charity Console.
The organisation recently appointed a suicide
liaison officer for the Donegal region who will take
up the position in the coming weeks.
“The twin towns have lost a lot of young people to
suicide and there are many families who need the
help and support that Console provides,” said local
member Jenny Regan.
Would-be firewalkers will be asked to make a
barefoot dash across a ten-foot pit of burning turf
and coal embers at McGuigan’s Bar, Stranorlar, on
bank holiday Saturday, August 3. Participants will
be asked to raise a minimum of €100 in sponsorship
for Console.
The challenge will be under the guidance of master
firewalker Brian Moore, who will provide insurance,
first aid and psychological training for those
taking part.
“We are asking people to sign up now because places
are limited and people need to be well prepared to
take on this challenge,” Ms Regan added.
Console founder and chief executive Paul Kelly
praised the local group who have raised more than
€10,000 in the past year.
“Not only are the twin town Console committee
tremendous fundraisers, they are also doing great
work helping to raise awareness among people in
distress that there is hope and help available,”
said Mr Kelly.
If you would like to take part in the fire walk
please contact Jenny Regan on 086 3754212 or Ronan
McGuigan on 087 7809020.
The Console 24-hour helpline can be reached at 1800
247 247. |
