Lanterns will be released into the skies above Bawnmore next weekend in memory of those in the area who have taken their own lives and to promote suicide awareness in the area.
The lantern release, which will be held along with a family fun night at Mill Green Youth Club next Saturday night (September 10), has been organised by local suicide awareness group Laura’s Legacy.
The group was set up in memory of 22 year old Laura Hughes who took her own life in May 2008. The nail technician’s family set up the suicide and self harm support group to help other families in the same situation.
Amy McHugh from the group said Laura's death spurred them on to help other families and they came up with the idea for the fun day and lantern release to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
“On Saturday morning we will be leaving the bottom of the Whitewell Road at 4.45am to meet with members of PIPS at Rosapenna Street for the Walk Into The Light,” she said.
“Then that evening we will be having the family fun day at Mill Green with a bouncy castle, balloon making, face painting and tombola.
“Afterwards we will make our way in a procession to the green where we will be releasing lanterns.
“Everything is free of charge and we would welcome everyone in the area to come along.”
Amy said people in the district are keen to show their support for suicide awareness.
“We really want to raise awareness in the area and show people that there is help and support out there,” she said.
“We know how devastating suicide can be and want to stop it happening to another family.”
Local people are invited to take part in the Walk into the Light on Saturday morning, meeting at the bottom of the Whitewell Toad at 4.45am.
The family fun day evening begin at 7pm in Mill Green Youth Club.
