Most of you will know that our family tragically lost Lochlainn in March. To honour his memory, and to help others, Enda (Locky's Dad) and Katie (his aunt) are taking part in 12 Dips for Pieta over the month of December.

Sadly, suicide is a very real issue in Ireland, especially among men. In 2021, over 78% of people who died by suicide in Ireland were men and it’s the leading cause of death for people aged 15–34, especially among men. Despite this tragic reality, many young men don’t reach out for help.

That’s why we are choosing to support Pieta — they provide free, professional counselling (in person, by phone or via video) for people in crisis, self-harm, or bereaved by suicide. Their 24/7 helpline (1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444) answers tens of thousands of calls and texts each year. In 2023, they delivered over 50,000 hours of counselling and helped almost 7,000 people.

We hope that some of our family and friends will join us for a dip (or 12!) both as a way to connect, to remember Lochlainn, and to raise funds for this vital charity.

If you can, please donate. Every euro helps Pieta continue offering support to people when they need it most.

Thank you for standing (and swimming) with us!

Katie & Enda