Derry family to run to Aviva Stadium in Dublin to raise awareness about mental health and suicide

A Derry family will run to the Avivia Stadium in Dublin from the Maiden city to raise awareness about mental health and suicide.

Tony Edgar, son TJ, brothers John, James, and Michael will set off from Derry on Saturday September 7 at 12:01 am and finish on the 10th of September, which is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Tony’s wife Sabrina took to Facebook to make people aware with a post about their gruelling challenge.

She said: “We will start this challenge on Saturday, the 7th of September, at 12:01 am and finish on the 10th of September, which is World Suicide Prevention Day. We were hoping to get a minute of silence during the Ireland vs. Greece match; the FAI have made a request to UEFA but unfortunately, they have not responded to date.

“My wife, Sabrina, and I have chosen this date as we felt it would have the most impact to raise awareness for those in our country suffering from mental health issues and potentially suicidal thoughts. We want to show people they are not alone, and that help is available. We also want to offer comfort to those families who have lost loved ones to this hidden disease and remind them that they will always be remembered.

“The reason we have started this is because we tragically lost my eldest son, Jack, to suicide on the 27th of December 2022 - the worst day of our family's lives. Our struggle is now waking up every day and asking countless questions: What could I have done differently? Why didn’t he ask for help? Where did it all go wrong? These questions will never be answered, and that is tough to accept. Like most families before us, we never thought our son would take his own life. Like most families who are suffering like us, by the time tragedy strikes, it is too late to have the conversation.

“This is why we have challenged ourselves with this run. We hope that we can raise enough awareness to help break the door down for more open, honest conversations about mental health, as too many lives have been lost in Ireland and around the world to this hidden disease of the mind. We believe that many people who commit suicide do not want to die; rather, they feel trapped in their pain, and their mind tricks them into believing suicide is their only option. It is not. No one is born wanting to die; the human instinct is to survive, but something happens along the way. We know this will not be easy, but we do believe, individually and collectively, we can change our mindsets, and with the right tools, we can help those suffering see the positives rather than the negatives in life.

“There is a stigma surrounding mental health and the shame of suicide, which can stop those suffering from asking for help. We never were, and never will be, ashamed of our son Jack, and we want to break open the door for those like Jack who are suffering silently. We want to show them they do not need to suffer alone. The constant negative thoughts are tricking your mind, and it’s okay to not be okay. 

“Accepting help does not make you weak but brave.

“Our son Jack was kind, funny, caring, and thoughtful. He would have done anything for anyone, and we will not let one rash decision define the man he was. We are blessed with the support from our great family and friends, which gave us the courage to speak up and raise awareness on this matter. We hope people support us and this event, but most importantly, we hope this message reaches anyone suffering from mental health issues or suicidal thoughts and gives them the strength to seek help.

“All those struggling can get help through support groups and charities. Please do not give up on yourself, as you deserve to be here. You are important, you are unique, and you are loved.

“Anybody bereaved by suicide there support group the first Monday of the month at Foyle Search and Rescue at 7:30 all welcome.”