Seán’s 5k a day for Youth Suicide Prevention

Templemore student Sean Fogarty is walking 5k a day this month in aid of Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland.

A Third Year student at Our Lady’s Secondary School, Sean, from Kiltillane Court, will be 16 in December. “For my birthday I want to do something that helps young people know they’re not alone when the chips are down,” he wrote on his idonate fundraising webpage.

“Growing up can feel confusing sometimes, but I’ve learned how important it is to talk and to listen — because there’s always someone who cares, such as friends, parents, teachers, grandparents and lots of other adults in our community.

“When I was trying to find my feet in life I confided in someone who has the special ability to make me feel it was okay to have mixed up feelings, to make mistakes once I learned from them, tried stupid things and put them behind me and move on to try and be a better person.”

Since December 1, Sean has been walking 5k straight after school each day. He will finish on his last day of school before the Christmas break, December 19. “You can track my journey each day as it will be posted up on social media.

“This is my personal reason to do something special for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland. I want to raise funds and to support their work and to remind young people that it’s okay to open up and ask for help. Every donation, big or small, will help make a difference.

“My two goals for this fundraiser are: To raise funds for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland; to remind my school friends that it’s okay to talk about emotions — there’s always someone who will listen. Thank you for your support.”

You can help by visiting ‘Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland - Sean Fogarty’ on idonate.ie. Donations can be made up to December 20.