NI business leaders and sports stars hit the golf course to raise awareness of suicide

By Simon Hunter

70 people from the worlds of Northern Irish business and sport have dusted off the golf clubs to raise support for suicide awareness.

The Hilton, Templepatrick, hosted the event- 18 holes of golf in the summer sunshine on Wednesday 25th July.

After a few hours on the course, the players went for dinner, followed by prize giving- the awards totalling £20,000.

£6000 was raised for the Lisburn-based charity Horizon, which provides practical and confidential support to those affected by suicide.

The day was organised by Chris Suitor, Suitor Brothers tailor and stylist, and Kenny Parker, founder of barbershop The Man Shack.

Chris told Q Radio it's a very personal cause.

Massive thanks to all those who got involved with our golf event. 6 weeks ago @TheManShack and I decided to run this. Getting @Familycarsni and @PrideandPinion on board was our best move! Total should be over £6000 for Horizons Charity, Lisburn. Thank you people 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/mPHCx98Aon

— Chris Suitor - SuitorBros (@SuitorBrothers) July 26, 2018

Kenny says he hopes it'll get bigger and better each year. 

Not all of those who attended were regular golfers- Nico van der Horst of Timepiece consultants Pride & Pinion was brought on board to organise sponsorship for the event, and had a go at his first ever round!

Organiser George Heron, of Familycarsni.com, says it hopefully helped to encourage easier discussions around mental health.