PIPS Downpatrick have received a cheque for £1073 from three runners in the Jimmy’s 10K road run which took place in March.
First time runners in a mini-marathon, Drumaness ladies Kim Harris, Eimear Cowan and Angela Morrison came back over the finishing line exhausted but exhilarated.
Kim said: “Although we had trained, we knew we were doing this for the PIPS charity and we felt the responsibility to get out there and complete the run. It was quite gruelling, but we both really enjoyed it. We wore PIPS T-shirts so that drove us on.
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Drumaness ladies Kim Harris and Eimear Cowan present a cheque to Downpatrick PIPS committee member Brenda McAteer for £1073 raised in the Jimmy’s 10K road run in March in Downpatrick.[/caption]
Eimear added: “We were just amazed at the generosity of people. We had expected to raise around £600 but were amazed when it went over the thousand mark. We would like to thank everyone for this. We were all going well until we got to the Quoile Road and then we felt the pressure. All we could do is buckle down and stay focussed. It is just amazing that the Jimmy’s 1oK must generate a lot of money now for local charities. Angela Morrison was the third runner with us but is not here today at the presentation but sends her best wishes to PIPS.
“After the run we both just felt elated that we had done it. It was an amazing feeling. Or time was 1hr 3 mins which was fine for three beginners. We were just delighted, and we will run in this again. We have the running bug now!”
Brenda McAteer, a PIPS committee member, received the cheque for PIPS Downpatrick. She said the charity was very grateful for the great efforts they had made and explained: “These funds will go a long way to supporting our three counsellors and complementary therapists that work with us in PIPS. We thank the runners for their great generosity. Our aim is to provide as many individual sessions as are needed to our clients.
“It is a fairly big project running PIPS. We have twelve on our organising committee, and cover Downpatrick and the wider area. So far we have provided over sixty one-to-one counselling therapies with qualified counsellors who provide suicide interventions and general support to people who may have difficulties.
“This could never happen without the support of partners in a partnership approach. We have a range of groups that help us in many ways, and we do talks and information evenings in the community to try and reach out and raise awareness about our work. We also provide relaxation techniques sessions which are very useful to learn and self-maintenance techniques which can help control stress.”
PIPS Service Manager Mary Creaney added: “We do get referrals but many people actually contact us themselves seeking to have a chat. Significantly 70% of suicides are in the male category of all ages. It is important for these persons to reach out for help especially if they are having suicidal thoughts.
“All that it takes is a phone call to me and they will have a session with a counsellor the following day after I complete a risk assessment. Suicide is preventable. If we can get people to reach out then that is a huge first step towards a positive outcome for better metal health.
“Currently we are working with SERC to create a package for students which is essentially a peer volunteer project encouraging students to look out for their friends and colleagues. It will be rolled out when the college starts in September. People with suicidal thoughts are very vulnerable and may not be all that visible in our midst. That is why we do need to raise awareness constantly.
“We are also working with the Downpatrick Social Enterprise Hub just off the Market Street car park in Downpatrick where we can chat to people.
“My helpline number is 07845564134 if anyone feels that they are having suicidal thoughts and need help. PIPS is there to help you no matter what age you are. Just ring me… we are here to listen and help.”
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