Last Sunday, the people of Mitchelstown united to raise awareness about suicide, as more than 50 people joined together to take part in a walk organised by a group of young people from the town.

The organisers called themselves LUKES TEAM, which stands for Let Us Keep Everyone Safe Through Every Anxious Moment and it was also a tribute to their close friend, Luke Hammond, who sadly took his own life in September.

Youth worker, Ailbe Coleman who helped the young people to organise the walk, told The Avondhu that the event attracted people of all ages, from all walks of life and it was a very positive way to raise awareness about suicide.

GREAT SUPPORT

He said that it was great to see people coming out to support such a good cause, as they all walked the bypass road together - taking a united stand against suicide and showing that there is help and support there for people who need it.

All of the money raised from the walk will go towards mental health, suicide awareness and support services here in Mitchelstown. As the young people didn't want to pressure people into donating money, they simply left sponsorship cards in local businesses and if anyone wanted to donate, they could.

Rebecca Macken and Martina Carroll thanked everyone who donated so far and the cards will remain in the businesses over the next week, should anyone else wish to make a donation.

Ailbe congratulated the young people for organising such a successful and positive event and he also thanked everyone who donated money, all those who took part, Kieran Cotter of the Gleeson Group who provided water and the local Gardai, who provided the audio gear for the speeches, while some of them also participated.

"There was an awful lot going on that day, so we do appreciate people taking the time out to join us on the walk," Ailbe said.

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