by Gráinne Connolly
The Niamh Louise Foundation has announced singer-songwriter, Malachi Cush as it's new patron.
The organisation is one of Northern Ireland's most established suicide prevention and beareavement charities.
It was set up following the death of Tyrone girl Niamh McKee, who took up her own life at the age of 15.
Niamh’s mum, Catherine McBennett, stepfather James, and Anne Donaghy, now Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, co-founded the Foundation on the 2nd of February 2006 - what should have been Niamh’s 16th birthday.
The charity now works with a range of voluntary and statutory agencies to reduce the numbers of people taking their own lives in Northern Ireland; the worst affected region in the UK for suicide rates.
Malachi, who's also a radio host and television presenter from Donaghmore, took up his new role on Saturday evening at the charity's Gala Ball in the Glenavon House Hotel.
Following the event he said, “Having known and supported the work of the Niamh Louise Foundation for many years I am both honoured and humbled to have been invited to be patron of the charity.
“The work the Foundation undertakes within our community continues to be of the upmost importance.
"I know many people whom the Niamh Louise Foundation has supported and they have testified to how they have benefited from the expertise and care which is delivered with the utmost sensitivity and with love.
“I wish to thank the Foundation for their work which has undoubtedly saved lives and has helped some of the most vulnerable within our community, and I look forward to supporting them into the years ahead.”
(The Gala Event on Saturday at the Glenavon in Cookstown)
Anne Donaghey one of the co-founders says, "We are delighted Malachi has accepted this role and we know he will be an incredible ambassador for this organisation in the weeks, months and years ahead.
“Malachi has been a true friend to the Foundation since its inception and we are so thankful to him for consistently giving us his time freely. Nothing has ever been too much trouble.”
“Malachi and everybody sat here tonight, by attending this evening, sponsoring or donating prizes, and helping with the organisation, you are supporting us to achieve our mission and realise our goals.
“The Gala Ball is about raising money to help those in need, but it is also about reflecting on the journey this Foundation, led by Catherine, has been on since 2006.
“It is about hope and showing there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark your world may appear.”
Last month, the Niamh Louise Foundation announced a significant funding boost from the Big Lottery Fund to continue its Empowering Young Minds programme.
It is a tailored care package, delivered by the Foundation, to support young people aged eight to 25 who are in emotional distress.
This includes young people with thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm, or who have been bereaved by suicide, and help them to heal and recover while developing life skills and building self-esteem and resilience.
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