By Alan Healy
A charity which supports people coping with depression is one of a number of local groups which are set to benefit from a legacy set up in memory of young Derry man who took his own life.
Patrick Kelly’s body was recovered from the River Foyle in February 2015.
The 18-year-old, who was known as Paddy to his friends, was from the Strathfoyle area.
Following his death, Patrick’s friends organised a number of events to raise awareness of the need for young people to seek help with issues in their lives, including a charity boxing event which in turn led to the creation of a new boxing club in the Strathfoyle area.
A short film, entitled ‘Life is Precious’, focussing on young people’s mental health and suicide awareness, was also produced in Patrick’s memory, which was screened at youth clubs and schools throughout the north west.
The Strathoyle community have continued to honour Patrick’s memory with ongoing events, the latest of which were a sponsored walk to raise awareness of Mental Health and a Strictly Come Dancing Competition.
The funds raised by the events have now been handed over to three local groups who will directly benefit from Patrick’s legacy, including the Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group, Tiny Tots Playgroup and AWARE NI (Aware Defeat Depression), a voluntary organisation which helps those whose lives are directly affected by or at risk of depression.
Representatives from each of the groups met with those involved in the fundraising events at the Strathfoyle Community Association’s headquarters on Tuesday.
Popular
Speaking to the Derry News, Alex Duffy, said that while Patrick’s death had devastated the community, it had also encouraged young people to speak out about their problems and raised awareness of issues such as suicide and depression.
“Since his death, the community has been organising events aimed at keeping Patrick’s memory alive and helping people who might also be suffering,” he said.
“We had the charity boxing event, and that was so successful that we now run our own boxing club in the community which was developed out of that event.
“Paddy was very popular, and the community want to honour his life and his memory by giving help to those in need now, which we’ve managed to do through the Strictly Come Dancing Competition and the sponsored walk.”
Meanwhile, Rachel Barr, administrator with the Strathfoyle Community Association said that they hoped to send the message out to young people in the area that there was no shame in sharing their problems.
“I think that when Paddy died people were just really, really shocked because there was no inkling that something was wrong,” she said.
“He was such a popular fella and well-liked, and it hit people hard. That’s why we want the message to go out to young people who might be struggling that there’s help out there for them, and people who will listen to them.
“If you are struggling, then speak to someone, even if it’s your doctor, but don’t be afraid to open up.”
If you would like to know more about AWARE NI, they can be contacted at their offices, 56 Strand Road or telephone 028 7126 0602.
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