By 
HUNDREDS of people have attended a rally in Strabane, aimed at raising awareness of the ever-increasing problem of drug and alcohol issues affecting young people.
The gathering, which was held at the Tinnies on Wednesday, is the latest initiative by local man Dominic Carlin, who has been working tirelessly to heighten drug and alcohol awareness.
Mr Carlin lost his son Rory to drug addiction last year.
The Strabane man told the Tyrone Herald, “Wednesday was a great success and I would like to thank everyone who turned out. It was about reaching out to young people in our town who are suffering with mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction.
“We wanted to say as a community that help is available to anyone who is suffering and if you are having problems, reach out to someone you know and talk to them. There are places that can help you and people care.”
Mr Carlin also appealed to drug dealers in Strabane not to intimidate those who are trying to help young people.
People from all across the community were in attendance including members of local sports clubs who wore jerseys in memory of Rory Carlin, who was a keen GAA and soccer player. Also in attendance where local member of the clergy and politicians.
One of the others who addressed the gathering was Adrian Loughrey from the Koram Centre, a facility which offers councilling services for people suffering with mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction.
Dominic and his family have so far raised over £65,000 for the Koran Centre through donations and their Just Giving page. Moreover, almost 200 people from Strabane will run the Belfast Marathon on Sunday, May 5.
“The local community have been fantastic and have raised an amazing amount of money so far,” added Mr Carlin.
“I would like to thank all the business people as well who have supported us both in Strabane and across Ireland. We will have nearly 200 people running the marathon from Strabane in support of the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund some as part of relays and others running on their own. There will also be hundreds of supporters in blue all across the route cheering us on.”
To donate to the cause you can visit the website Justgiving.com or scan the QR code.
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