Family raise thousands for mental health charities in memory of young Banbridge man

A BANBRIDGE mother is raising much needed funds for vital mental health services in memory of her son.

Just three months ago, the community was left devastated by the untimely passing of Jack Murray, who tragically died by suicide at just 20-years-old.

Despite his battles with mental health, what Jack will be most remembered for is his kindness and his gentle nature. Following his passing, hundreds of people had attended the young man’s funeral – a testimony to the many lives he’d touched in a short lifetime.

And this legacy of kindness will live on through his loved ones’ support of mental health services in the local area, which help countless numbers of people every day.

Jack’s mum, Lynne says it is her mission to ensure more people are aware of what support is available to them, as she has dedicated much of her energy to raising funds and awareness for the mental health charity, Changing Lives NI.

With the help of Oonagh King, whose son Tom was a good friend of Jack's, Lynne has launched a raffle to support Changing Lives in their efforts to afford a counsellor.

The raffle includes fantastic prizes which have been donated with the support of local businesses in the area, to whom Lynne expressed her immense gratitude.

In additon to the raffle, there will be a bucket collection for Changing Lives this Saturday (1 March) between 9am-9pm at the Tesco store on the Castlewellan Road, Banbridge.

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased via Paypal to either lynnemetcalfe79@gmail.com or oonaghmking@gmail.com. Altternatively, they can be purchased directly from Harry's Bar and Kitchen in the town.

The fundraiser has already seen widespread support and Lynne wished to thank those who have helped out so far.

Supporting mental health charities such as Changing Lives and PIPS will be done in the name of Jack's legacy, and will hopefully go on to help others who are struggling with their mental health.

“I don’t want people to remember Jack for how he died. He was a lovely boy and he would’ve rather stayed home with us than go out most nights.

“He loved music, playing his guitar and Karaoke. He also loved football and most sports.

“He always had a big smile on his face and loved a bit of craic. He had so much to live for and great friends and a family who loved him so much.

“He was a really funny boy and I want people to remember how he was, so I think that was something positive to do in his name.

“He had great friends who were so supportive to him, even in the week of his death. People do care.

“I would do anything to save one more family from going through the hell that we’re living in at the minute.

“I just feel if I can help one more person to know they have a choice and don’t have to take their own life, and that there is another way, then that would mean everything,” Lynne concluded.

Full story in this week's Outlook. Digital copies available by clicking here.