Line of Duty actor Adrian Dunbar is among the inspiring list of speakers at Co Fermanagh mental health charity the Aisling Centre’s annual Day of Hope.
The Enniskillen native actor joins other speakers who will provide messages of hope and touch on their own experiences of dealing with mental health challenges and hardship.
The event will take place at the South West College in Enniskillen on Saturday 7 January.
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Among the other speakers are St Michael’s College, Enniskillen teacher Connor McBarron, who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2018 and Emma Spence, whose father Noel and brothers Nevin and Graham died after entering a slurry tank on their farm in 2012.
A statement from the Aisling Centre said they were delighted to have Dunbar as a patron for the charity.
“Despite a very successful career and a busy life in London with many charitable and personal commitments, Adrian has never forgotten his Fermanagh roots and is a dedicated supporter of Aisling Centre, and of arts and sport locally.
“Born and raised in Enniskillen, actor Adrian enjoys a very successful career in film, television, theatre, and music, most recently in the lead role in a new drama series ‘Ridley’.
“We are delighted to have Adrian as our Patron to, once again, open our 6th annual Hope, Healing and Growth, Day of Inspiration.”
Teacher Connor was forced to give up his role in the Technology and Design department at the local school due to his illness, and will tell guests at the event of how he has been able to cope with the serious illness while raising four children.
“In December 2018, all of 43 years old, my family and I received devastating news that I had a very rare form of bone cancer that was not responsive to either chemotherapy or radiotherapy,” Connor said.
“The only option was to undergo extensive surgery that required the removal of three ribs and a chest reconstruction.
“Presently, I’m really like a young man in an old man's body but I’m always trying to remain positive as other people have been less fortunate than me.
“I’m lucky to be still alive for my wife and children and that is the main thing. My new life now requires constant medication and pain treatment to manage the aftermath since December 2018.”
The event will kick off at the Crest Centre in the College on Saturday at 10am, and can also be attended virtually.
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