Northsiders raise suicide awareness in memory of Andy

THE family and friends of a Northside father-of-three who took his own life two years ago have come together to drive a fundraising campaign for suicide awareness in his memory.

Popular and outgoing Andy Morgan took his own life on New Year’s Eve 2010 to the utter devastation and shock of his partner Joanne Featherstone, his three children and many friends.

In the two years since his death, Santry local Joanne (40) and Andy’s friends and family have focused their efforts and emotions towards ensuring others don’t have to go through what they’ve experienced.

And thanks to their efforts, several thousand euro has been raised through the Andy Morgan Foundation for local suicide prevention and support services over the last two years.

Making a difference to the lives of others has been of great comfort and consolation to those Andy left behind, his heartbroken partner told Northside People.

“I can’t believe two years have passed already,

? she said.

“It’s only really in the last six months that I’ve got my strength back, more strength than I ever had before thanks to all the support of my family and those involved in the foundation.

“I realised just how far I’ve come recently when people came to me for support and advice having just lost a loved one through suicide themselves.

“Their stories brought all the painful emotions back to me but this time my thoughts weren’t for me but for them. Instead of thinking of my experience I had a genuine compassion and understanding of what they must be going through and feeling.

?

A short film documenting the grieving process that Joanne and Andy’s friends went through was made and posted on YouTube. The film,

‘Andy Morgan – A Story’, was hugely cathartic for all involved and has been viewed online by over 16,500 people worldwide.

Joanne has received letters of support from people in New Zealand, Australia and even Peru.

“I never felt angry towards Andy for what he did,

? Joanne revealed.

“I just felt lost, like a little child. I questioned everything at the start like what had I done and what could I have done to prevent this. I got very ill and lost a lot of weight but I just had to stop and think that Andy is in paradise now and it’s up to me to be strong and positive for our children.

“The only way I could find peace was to accept it and I knew if I harboured anger and bitterness my children wouldn’t have a chance of having a normal life.

?

Andy and Joanne’s children, Leanne (17), Alex (9) and Jamie (6), have also being trying to deal with their loss.

Andy’s close friend Pat Daly was one of the first people on the scene after his death.

He has worked with the foundation and helped organise many of the fundraising events which have taken place over the last two years.

“Working with the foundation has been a real healing process for me,

? he said.

“It’s helped me grieve and to work through my feelings by helping and trying to make a difference for others.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve come to realise and learn is just how much of a stigma there is surrounding mental health problems and suicide. It’s really quite shocking for that to exist in this day and age. It really opens your eyes to the reality and massive number of people who have been affected by suicide.

“Hopefully by creating awareness we can encourage people to talk about their problems and feelings instead of bottling it all up and taking their own lives.

?

Earlier this year, the Central Statistics Office released a study which found that men are four times more likely to die from suicide than women. In 2010, 386 men took their own lives compared to 100 women.

Donations to the Andy Morgan Foundation can be made to the Ulster Bank account number 10526753; sort code 985011.

Last year the foundation organised a successful five-a-side soccer tournament. The event will be held again this year and teams are invited to take part to compete for the Andy Morgan Perpetual Cup at DCU on December 15, from 11am-5pm.

There will be free children’s entertainment throughout the day and raffles for great prizes. Trophy presentation and free evening entertainment will be held in Matt Weldon’s Pub.

For details phone Liam on 087-2775197 or Pat on 087-6202945.