Go-Ahead heroes raise thousands for local charity

TWO Go-Ahead Ireland colleagues, Philip Ellis and Paul Toughaill, recently took part in a parachute jump to raise funds for local charity, HOME, raising over €3,630 in the process.

HOME, which stands for Helping Others More Everyday, was set up by Warren Dempsey to help combat rising suicide rates in Ballyfermot and surrounding areas.

It provides drop in-sessions and community events to help raise awareness around suicide and mental health. It also helps those who have been directly affected by suicide.

The 11,000 feet dive, nearly 800 times the height of a double deck bus, took place in Kilkenny earlier this month.

“Paul and I jumped from a little under 11,000 feet and it was one of the scariest things I have ever done,” Philip admitted.

Over the last number of months, the colleagues – who work for Ballymount based bus company Go-Ahead Ireland – know of several people who have lost family members to suicide and were determined to raise as much money as possible for HOME.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this very worthy cause,” Philip added. “Go-Ahead Ireland also donated an additional €2,500 to the cause.”