€10k presented to Shannon’s Hopeline in tribute to father
By Mary Dennehy
A CHEQUE for €10,000 was presented to Shannon’s Hopeline in tribute to a Tallaght dad and in thanks to the support the charity provides to children and young people.
It was a case of sisters supporting sisters when sisters-in-law Sharon and Martina Keegan presented €10k to sisters Sandra and Lisa Kelleher, the founders of Shannon’s Hopeline.
Sandra Kelleher, Lisa Kelleher, Sharon Keegan and Martina Keegan
Martina Keegan’s husband Alan, and Sharon’s brother, passed away in his sleep in March 2020.
Alan, who was 35 when he passed away, grew up in Springfield with sister Sharon, the founder of Irish support wear brand, Peachylean.
After Alan’s sudden loss, Martina looked for supports for her daughter Evie, who was five at the time of her dad’s passing.
“Due to lockdown, I couldn’t access any supports at all,” Martina told The Echo.
“A neighbour mentioned Shannon’s Hopeline to me and within a week, we had an appointment for Evie for play therapy.
“It’s just so good to know that Shannon’s Hopeline is there.
“They are very, very supportive and we’re delighted to be able to help them.
“We have definitely seen the difference getting support can make.”
Alan’s family and friends took part in a run on the first anniversary of his passing, deciding to give the money to Shannon’s Hopeline due to the bereavement support Evie received.
According to Martina, Alan was also a supporter of positive mental health and organised gigs in the past for charities including Pieta House.
The run, in memory of Alan, has raised around €20,000 and is being shared between Shannon’s Hopeline, Pieta House and Alan’s two children Evie (7) and Seimi (3).
The mission of Shannon’s Hopeline is to support and educate young people and their families in Dublin on the importance of looking after their mental health.
The community-based mental health charity, which received the Charity Impact Award in 2019, offers a low-cost counselling service, Be Kind to your Mind workshops, social media engagement and school visits.
They also provide a ‘Gift of Hope’ package, a customised package that contains items and advice to help a young person on their journey to a positive mental attitude.
For further information on Shannon’s Hopeline visit www.shannonshopeline.ie or call the charity on 01 4549256.
Pieta House can be contacted by calling its Freephone number 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
