Dawn Walk cheque given to Pieta House
Handing the cheque over to Marie Peelo of Pieta House in O'Connells Bar, Lorna Brophy thanked all those who had supported the walk through New Abbey Stud, and all who had made it possible.
The amount raised by the event this year was some €2,000 more than last year, even though the actual number of those walking were down.
“I personally feel proud to be a part of a community that can express so much care and concern for an issue that impacts so many homes across our country,” Lorna said. “We are all aware of someone who has been impacted by self harm or suicide at some stage in their life, and I believe that this is the reason everyone is so supportive of our Dawn Walk.”
Pieta House is celebrating ten years in existence and has helped over 2,000 people who are in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.
Accepting the cheque, Marie Peelo said those who had contributed to the Kilcullen event had ‘saved lives’. “It costs €1,000 to put someone through our free service, so that means this donation has potentially saved nine lives,” she said. “Think about the impact your generosity has had not just on nine people, but all the people in their lives, so everybody here should be very, very proud of what they have done.”
Marie Peelo noted that Pieta House has taken on three new services this year — the suicidal helpline, the suicide bereavement service, and a suicide liaison service. “So you are also helping us to continue those new services.”
She concluded by emphasising that all the services of Pieta House are for everyone in the community who might need them, and nobody should hesitate in making a call if they feel they do.
Pictured with Lorna Brophy and Marie Peelo are some of the members of the local organising committee, Alan O’Connell, Jackie O’Toole and Richie Kelly.
