Friends of Fr Paddy O'Kane fundraising for Zest

Three big-hearted Derry women are braving the icy waters of Lough Swilly in a poignant fundraiser for the charity Zest - Healing The Hurt of Self-harm and Suicide.

Based in Queen Street, Zest offers supportive care to people suffering emotional pain and hurt with the aim to provide a place of genuine acceptance, active safety, and living hope, to those who do not feel accepted, who do not feel safe and are losing hope.

Zest promises clients “acceptance, respect, understanding and compassion”. The organisation’s motto is: “It’s most ok to be you.”

Fiona Tope, Brigeen McCloskey, Orla Parkhill are  taking to the waves and do a cold water swim on Sunday, March  26 in Ludden, outside Buncrana.

As well as raising funds for Zest, Fiona, Brigeen and Orla are undertaking the swim in memory of Fr Paddy O’Kane, late of the Holy Family Parish and popular Derry news columnist, whose first anniversary occurs on March 28. 

Fiona, who was Fr Paddy’s secretary for 32 years, has set up a GoFundMe page: ‘Fr Paddy Memorial’ for online donations.

Speaking about the fundraiser, Fiona said: “One year ago, Fr Paddy died tragically, died suddenly. 

“As his secretary for the past 32 years and in order to remember and honour him in a special way, I, together with Brigeen McCloskey, Orla Parkhill and some friends of Fr Paddy’s have decided to mark his first anniversary in doing a fundraiser for a local mental health charity, Zest - Healing The Hurt of Self-harm and Suicide

“It is a local charitable organisation offering supportive care to people suffering emotional pain and hurt.

“To raise this money we will be taking to the waves and do a cold water swim on Sunday, March  26, in Ludden. The time of the swim is to be confirmed. 

 “If anyone would like to join in, they are most welcome. Any donation big or small would be most appreciated. All money raised for Zest is used for direct counselling services. Please share far and wide,” said Fiona. 

Donations can be made HERE.