Carlin supporters scale Errigal to raise awareness

THE FAMILY of Rory Carlin were joined by a multitude of supporters and well-wishers on Saturday as they took on a climb of Mount Errigal in Donegal in Rory’s memory.

Rory’s family were left devastated last May when the young man took his own life due to a drink and drugs addiction. His parents Dominic and Karen have since dedicated their lives to keeping Rory’s memory alive and also ensuring that no other family has to go through the pain they’ve felt since Rory’s passing.

Dominic was heartened by the support shown, commenting, “The weather wasn’t great last Saturday but the support was absolutely amazing on what was a very emotional and difficult day for the Carlin and Casey families. Everyone who took part had a blue T-shirt on over their warmer clothes and it was great to see so many blue T-shirts dotted round Mount Errigal.”

The inclement weather conditions meant that not everyone made it to the summit. However, Dominic and son Ryan were among the ones who did find themselves atop the mountain where they laid a plaque, presented to the family by friend and fellow fund-raiser, Adrian ‘Rusty’ Crossan who had it specially made. Dominic expressed his deep delight and gratitude for the plaque, bearing Rory’s face and name.

Elated by their ascent, Dominic admits that the descent was an altogether hairier event, remarking, “We got to the top, and at that height it’s quite scary, and we could see a storm heading our way so had to get back down as quickly as possible. We didn’t make it down before the storm hit, so it was difficult getting down while the storm raged overhead; luckily we managed to get down in one piece.”

The climb raised around £1,300 on the day, which will become an annual event, leaving the overall fund sitting at just over £58,000. The family plan to run the Belfast Marathon in May, around the time of Rory’s anniversary.

Dominic would like to express his sincere thanks to everyone who took part in the climb, donated or just helped in any way in order to make the day possible, saying, “We would like to thank everyone for everything they did. Strabane has embraced the Casey and Carlin families in a way that shows just how much everyone cares. There have been far too many drugs-related deaths in Strabane over the years and we need to stand together in the fight against drugs or it will surely happen again.”