Waves for Mental Health teamed up with Aodhán’s family to organise the dips at Ludden Beach in Buncrana, Donegal on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 2022.
Aodhán O’Donnell died by suicide four years ago. He would have turned 24 on Sunday past. His family have fundraised tirelessly for mental health charities and organisations in the city in Aodhán’s memory, raising over £100,000 through a range of fundraising events.
Aodhan’s mother Moira, a member of Waves, said: “We’re fundraising for Foyle Search and Rescue and Na Magha hurling club, the team Aodhán played for. They’re planning to build a new gym and they’re going to name it after Aodhán. That’s a lovely gesture in itself but a gym would help with the young people’s mental health too.”
*Anyone in distress in NI can contact Lifeline 24/7 helpline can be contacted for free on 0808 808 8000 in confidence; The Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 on 02871 265511 or Freephone 116 123 in confidence; Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 for any issue or by visiting www.childline.org.uk in confidence.
Anyone in distress in RoI can contact Pieta House free on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444; TEXT Crisis Textline Ireland on 50808 - a free 24/7 text service; Ring Samaritans 24/7 on freephone number 116-123.
1. DER- FUND RAISER IN MEMORY OF AODHÁN ODONNELL
Young Kate McVeigh pictured with Denise ONeill and Maria Kelly at the joint fundraising event Cold Water Weekend in memory of Aodhán ODonnell with Waves for Mental Health held at Ludden Beach on Saturday and Sunday morning last. Photograph: George Sweeney. DER2228GS 005
2. DER- FUND RAISER IN MEMORY OF AODHÁN ODONNELL
Members of the family circle of the late Aodhán ODonnell, a member of Na Magha hurling club, pictured at a joint fundraising event Cold Water Weekend with Waves for Mental Health held at Ludden Beach on Saturday and Sunday morning last. Funds were raised for Foyle Search and Rescue and Na Magha hurling club gym. Photograph: George Sweeney. DER2228GS 002
3. DER- FUND RAISER IN MEMORY OF AODHÁN ODONNELL
Members of the family circle and friends of the late Aodhán ODonnell, a member of Na Magha hurling club, pictured at a joint fundraising event Cold Water Weekend with Waves for Mental Health held at Ludden Beach on Saturday and Sunday morning last. Photograph: George Sweeney. DER2228GS 003
4. DER- FUND RAISER IN MEMORY OF AODHÁN ODONNELL
Members of the family circle and friends of the late Aodhán ODonnell, a member of Na Magha hurling club, pictured at a joint fundraising event Cold Water Weekend with Waves for Mental Health held at Ludden Beach on Saturday and Sunday morning last. Photograph: George Sweeney. DER2228GS 003