Today marks the one year anniversary since the passing of a young man who touched the hearts of the nation. No one has had quite a profound effect on changing thoughts and attitudes towards the topic of suicide and mental health quite like the inspirational Kerry lad, Donal Walsh.
Actively campaigning against teen suicide, 16-year-old Donal touched the entire country with his message, urging everyone to appreciate life, referring to suicide as, “a permanent solution to a temporary problem”.
Donal, who had battled with cancer since 2008, passed away on May 12th leaving behind an incredible legacy that his parents have continued on.
The Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation was set up by Mum, Elma, and Dad, Fionnbar, as fundraising was something Donal was passionate about in his short time here.
After receiving treatment in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, Donal was very vocal about his disgust at the fact such a facility relied heavily on charitable donations.
“It really does make me ashamed of my government when they can get wages in the hundreds of thousands annually, but one of the most important children’s wards in Ireland, for some of the sickest kids in Ireland, has to rely on charitable donations to buy a bucket of paint and a brush. That is one of the sickest things I have ever come across in my short time here.”
Donal made his courageous television appearance on The Saturday Night Show with Brendan O’Connor in April, one month before his death.
In his writings and speaking to O’Connor, Donal delivered one very poignant line and that was, he would be happy to die if it meant he had saved someone else’s life.
Speaking to his Mum back in October, Elma told us that although his health prevented him from being part of it, the inspirational teenager knew his message was being received.
“He had that month to know that things were going the way that he wanted them to go, and he was delighted with that.
“He’d be absolutely chuffed and amazed that people paid attention to him, as a 16-year-old.”
Fionnbar and Elma Walsh collect the ‘Spirit of Humanity Award’ at Trinity College, Dublin.
Donal often referred to his struggle with cancer as “climbing mountains” and last year one of the main fundraising events held in his name was a charity climb up Mount Brandon, dubbed ‘Donal’s Mountain’.
When father Fionnbar decided to write an account about his son’s life it was only fitting that he called it, Donal’s Mountain: How One Son Inspired A Nation. The book also includes some of the teen’s writings.
One year on we remember his important, emotional and heartfelt message: “If you find yourself in the dark room then stop and wait, a door will open, you can find that door and open it and there will be someone waiting on the other side, reach out and ask for help and they will give it to you”.
On Thursday 15th May 2014, 60 well-known personalities will compete in a golf tournament at Adare Manor, Co. Limerick in memory of Donal. The event promises to be one to be missed with all proceeds going towards the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation.
To get involved, make a donation or for any further information, visit www.donalwalshlivelife.org
