Frenchpark man climbing mountain 28 days in a row for Northwest STOP
Frenchpark man Martin Feeney is climbing Knocknarea for 28 days in a row for Northwest STOP Suicide Prevention.
A Frenchpark man is climbing a mountain 28 days in a row in aid of Northwest STOP.
Every year for the past few years, Martin Feeney has taking part in fundraising for local causes such as the paediatric department at Sligo University Hospital, a friend's cancer treatment, and for mental health services.
This year he is once again climbing Knocknarea for 28 days in a row for Northwest STOP Suicide Prevention.
“Whatever the weather, I’ll be going,” he said with a laugh. “And whoever would like to join me is more than welcome. We all go up at our own pace. There is absolutely no pressure at all.” With the aim of raising €5,000, Martin started on Tuesday, March 19th with the final climb scheduled for Monday, April 15th. He has already raised almost €2,500.
“This is a crucial lifesaving service, and after being involved in a fundraiser just over a year ago on their behalf, I learned what they do and its heartbreaking to have found out some of the individuals ringing seeking help are as young as 9 years old,” Martin wrote on his GoFundMe page.
“North West STOP don’t receive any funding from the government, they rely totally on fundraising, donations and corporate donations to fund their services.” He told the Herald in December 2022 he and a group of 30 others did a ‘Dip A Day’ challenge in cold water.
“It was for North West STOP and that’s how I learned about them,” he said, adding that he was so impressed with the work of the charity. “It really struck a chord with me, especially that they don’t get any state funding. That stuck with me as they do Trojan work.” He said that people who contact North West STOP in need of help are seen by qualified counsellors no later than 48 hours after making contact.
“They generally see people 24 hours after a phone call,” he said. “They have saved lives, that's for sure. Any donation would be fantastic.” North West STOP, which is headquartered in Drumkeeran, County Leitrim, covers counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan, Longford, Roscommon and Mayo. It provides a free confidential counselling service, including a service to those affected by suicide. It also provides services to children and adolescents.
To contact North West Stop, call 0818 444 000. To donate to Martin’s fundraiser, please visit the ‘28 Day Climb for Hope’ GoFundMe page.
