Mum who lost son to ‘suicide epidemic’ urges action
Thousands of people across Northern Ireland and the Republic have been taking part in Darkness Into Light walks before dawn as part of a global initiative against suicide.
Darkness Into Light events have been held in the early hours of Saturday at over 200 locations in 19 countries across five continents.
At one event in Ormeau Park, a mum who lost her son to suicide told UTV it was crucial to do everything possible to stop others taking their own lives.
“Suicide affects all colours, creeds – it doesn’t discriminate,” Colette Snoddy said.
“Matthew took his life on a Thursday and, by the Monday morning, he was the fifth young person to do the same.”
Colette added: “I don’t want it to be a taboo subject.
“I want mental health and suicide to be something that everybody is talking about, so we can move forward and do something about this awful epidemic.”
Darkness Into Light walks this year included events at Ormeau Park in Belfast, along the banks of the Foyle in Londonderry, and at Phoenix Park in Dublin.
In Ballymena, those supporting the event included Ballymena United and boss David Jeffrey.
The walks are now held annually and the momentum around them continues to grow year-on-year.
Watch Barbara McCann's report:
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