A charity football match is being organised by the friends of a Banbridge man who tragically took his own life, to help “break down the stigma” of mental health.
The event is to be held in memory of 20-year-old Jack Murray whose sudden passing on November 9, 2024 had a devastating impact on all who knew him.
Described as a “kind, funny and loyal boy”, a statement accompanying the fundraiser said of Jack’s loss: “His death was a shock to all and the reality is, it was preventable with the right help in place if only he had of spoken to one of us about his true thoughts.”
Now, to help “bring some positivity to those suffering”, his friends have committed to organising a football match will all proceeds for Changing Lives NI – a mental health and addictions charity based in Gilford, Co. Down – on the one year anniversary of his death.
Jack’s mum, Lynne launched a JustGiving page to help collate funds and adds: “The aim is to raise money for Changing Lives and to break down the stigma of mental health and bring hope and positivity to those suffering. What better way to do that than a group of 30+ young men in their teens and early 20s trying to break down that stigma and encourage anyone struggling to seek help so their friends don’t suffer what these boys have.
“Changing Lives have been able to put a counsellor in place through donations and so many young people have already availed of this service.
“They are inundated every single day with people reaching out for help. This money is saving lives and we need to keep that going. The services these charities offer are not available through our health service so it’s vital to keep supporting them.”
To date, the fundraiser has already surpassed £2,400 – more than £400 over of its initial £2,000 target.
Said Lynne: “Any donation no matter how small makes a huge difference. So thank you for reading and donating. Together we can Change Lives.”
Click here to donate to the JustGiving page in memory of Jack Murray.
