Bannsiders to brave the elements for charity
MEMBERS of Coleraine Football Club are set to brave the elements as they sleep on the street in support of the Shelter Northern Ireland and Inspire charities…
Simon Magee, a member of the Board of Directors and club physiotherapist, Alan Millar, are set to take part in the cause. The sleep out will take place on Friday, October 26, in the car park of Ballysally Presbyterian Church as those taking part experience what it is like to spend a night exposed to the elements.
The aim of the sleep out is to raise awareness of homelessness and mental health issues, something which has an adverse effect on the community on both a local and provincial scale.
Studies suggest that there are direct links between homelessness and mental health problems; however, this link is often overlooked according to event organiser, Jonny Doey. Jonny and his brother David are lifelong Coleraine supporters and where born and raised in Ballysally and both feel that homelessness and mental health are issues which are close to the local community.
“My heart goes out to people who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances and I know what it is like to be living on the breadline,” said Jonny.
“I have friends and family who battled their own personal struggles and I feel that since men’s mental health problems emerge they often increase very quickly.
“I come from a family of seven and when I was growing up we struggled sometimes so I wanted to be proactive and raise some money and awareness for the charities,” added Jonny.
The sleep out has enjoyed a wealth of support so far within the local community to date as well as the backing from Coleraine Football Club, who are set to be represented at the event.
The Bannsiders have also organised a bucket collection at their Danske Bank Premiership clash with Crusaders on Saturday, October 20 in an attempt to raise some funds.
With the event edging ever closer, Simon is hopeful that through the efforts of all involved, the awareness campaign will help make a difference.
“Homelessness and mental health issues are an increasing problem on a local and global scale,” he said.
“By supporting the cause I hope that we will be able to add some positivity to those who may be suffering.
“Football is a sport that can lead to mental health issues if things do not always go how players expect and my association with Coleraine FC has demonstrated just how tough the sporting world can be,” he concluded.
Coleraine FC’s club physiotherapist, Alan Millar said: “I am happy supporting such a worthwhile cause.
“On a Personal level I see players battling with injury and it can be tough so I know just how important it is to raise awareness for mental health.
“Homelessness is also something which is becoming a worrying issue so I hope we can help to make an impact,” he said.
There are over 100 people registered to take part in the 12 hour sleep out event from across the ages and social classes with approximately £3,000 raised to date which Jonny insists was beyond his wildest dreams.
“It is overwhelming to see the amount of support we have enjoyed so far,” he said.
“At the initial sign-up night we had around 70 people and I kind of thought that we had maybe bitten off more than we could chew but it goes to show just how relatable these problems are to people.”
He added: “Hopefully we can all come together and help make a difference.”
Event organiser Jonny rounded off with quite a strong message for those who find themselves suffering. “They say that any family or person is only two months way from having nothing so to speak,” said Jonny.
“Mental health and homelessness are issues which can affect anyone and we all find ourselves in circumstances we do not want to be in at times.
“It is OK not to be OK and no matter what the issue is there is always someone there that will listen and is willing to help.”
He concluded: “I would like to thank everyone who has got involved so far and donated to our cause and a huge thanks must go to Coleraine FC, the PSNI and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Servie for their support.”
Those wishing to donate to the cause can do so by visiting the JustGiving pages listed below:
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