The parents of Liam McGhee have paid tribute to the people of Kilmarnock for helping to raise more than £10,000 in their son’s memory.
The 15-year-old took his own life in August last year and his family and friends wanted to mark his 16th birthday with a fun run in the town’s Howard Park last month.
A total of £10,114.02 was raised with help from loved ones and Rock Diner and Aces.
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Liam’s mum Jacqueline Malone told the Kilmarnock Standard :“I initially wanted to raise £3000 so this has really surpassed my expectations.
“Pauline got in touch with us after hearing that Liam was struggling and we’ll never forget that.
“The great work her charity does really doesn’t get enough credit.
“I’m now going to be doing an HNC in counselling so that I can try and help other young people that are having a tough time.”
Liam’s dad Ray McGhee added: “I’m really delighted at how much has been raised.
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“I actually can’t get my head round it. It’s a phenomenal amount of money.
“The amount of people that have shown their true colour and community spirit towards us has been humbling.”
Pauline Moriarty from Beautiful Inside and Out said: “It’s a phenomenal amount that has been raised, we can’t thank everyone enough for this.
“It’s a really lovely tribute to Liam and the funds raised will go a long way to helping a lot of people out in this area.
“We’ve estimated that this amount could help around 250 people get music or drama therapy sessions.”
Beautiful Inside and Out will host a meeting for bereaved parents and families that have lost loved ones to suicide.
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This will take place at WG13 on Thursday, April 25 at 6.30pm.
There’s no need to book a place, simply turn up on the night.
For more information, call Pauline on 07984 328808.
You can find out more about Beautiful Inside and Out by visiting: www.facebook.com/beautifulinsideandoutscio
