A CHARITY shooting competition held in memory of a Downpatrick man has raised £1,000 for Aware Defeat Depression.
The airsoft competition at Airbourne 101 Airsoft Club was held in August in memory of Stephen Shannon, who took his own life in April this year.
This week Stephen’s brother Joseph handed over the cheque for £1,000 to the mental health charity. All the money raised will go towards Aware’s support services and education programmes to help people with depression.
“The Shannon family would like to thank the management of Airbourne 101 Airsoft Club for holding a charity day in memory of Stephen Shannon,” said Joseph. “We would also like to thank all who attended on the day.”
It’s the second time this year that Downpatrick people have donated over £1,000 to Aware Defeat Depression in memory of Stephen.
Earlier this year Downpatrick woman Oonagh Breteche, who was a clubmate of Stephen’s at East Down Athletic Club, raised £1,012 when she ran the Walled City Marathon in Derry.
“We would also like to sincerely thank Oonagh for all her efforts,” said Joseph.
Kieran Hughes, Fundraising Officer with Aware Defeat Depression, said all the money raised in Stephen’s memory will go directly towards helping people with depression.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the airsoft competition and who donated so generously,” he said.
“All the money raised will go directly towards Aware Defeat Depression’s community services, including our Helpline and support groups.
“It will also go towards the delivery of our education programmes for schools and other group settings. This donation will make a real difference to people’s lives.
Aware Defeat Depression’s Downpatrick Support Group meets in Down Arts Centre at 7.30pm every other Tuesday from October 1.