National suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console has appointed Galway-based fitness coach Pat Divilly as its youth mental health ambassador.
And the well-known sports trainer and author has vowed to get 1,000 people together under the Console banner to form the biggest team ever to enter the worldwide Tough Mudder fitness challenge.
He is even planning a trip to Everest for those who really want to overcome a tough challenge.
Tough Mudders are held across three continents and Pat is aiming to set a world record at the Dublin event on July 11 and 12 with the largest team ever to compete in the fitness challenge, topping the 534 who entered with him last year.
“We chose the Tough Mudder because the obstacle course is also a good analogy for life – it’s a bit of a challenge, there are obstacles to be overcome but with good people around you can make it,” said Pat Divilly
“Sadly almost every family in the country has been touched by suicide and young men are particularly at risk.
“I’ve experienced my own dark days and I believe it is really important to do things that promote positive mental health.
“People who aren’t fit enough to tackle the Tough Mudder can join the Mini Marathon on June 1 for Console, and for those who want something really demanding, I am organising a trip to Everest base camp in September,” he said.
Pat’s Moving Forward for Console campaign aims to raise €250,000 to support the organisation’s 24 hour helpline 1800 247 247 and its counselling centres across the country.
“Pat is making it his mission to get Console’s message to young people, especially those in distress or suicidal crisis, that there is hope and help available at the end of a phone line,” said Console founder and CEO Paul Kelly.
The Galway-based personal trainer and nutritionist, who has written two successful books on food and fitness, plans to use his extensive social media network of €127,000 Facebaook followers to spread Console’s message of hope.
“Everyone can have good days and bad days but the important thing is to Keep Moving Forward,” said Pat
“I want to help young people believe in themselves and to show them that you can get through what you are going through.”
Nationwide professional suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide (Freephone 1800 247 247 ).
The charity has full-time counselling centres in Dublin, Limerick Cork, Wexford, Galway, Kerry and Mayo. It also offers services in Kildare and Athlone and has recently opened a service in London.
Counselling, advice and general support is available for any individual, couples, groups, families or children who have been affected by suicide.
Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 247 247 and many resources and useful information can be found at www.console.ie
