Hundreds turn out at marathon in support of Carlin family

THE father of a young man who died following a battle with drugs, has made an impassioned plea for our public representatives to “take the fight” to the dealers.

Dominic Carlin was speaking out following the latest show of solidarity for his family at the Belfast City Marathon on Sunday, when hundreds of Strabane people turned up in memory of the late Rory Carlin and also, to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

Mr Carlin estimated that as many as 500 Strabane people made the trip to Belfast at the weekend.

Since Rory’s death last year, the Carlin family established a campaign to increase awareness about the dangers of drugs in the hope of saving young lives. An ongoing fundraising total for the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund has surpassed the £80,000 mark.

Dominic Carlin said this week that he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the amount of people who turned out to the annual May Bank Holiday event in support of the cause.

He commented, “The people of Strabane have once again shown an unreal amount of support to our family. Once more it only serves to highlight the strength of feeling around the scourge of drugs since Rory’s death.

“I would estimate that between 450 and 500 people made the journey from Strabane to Belfast for the marathon, with 300 taking part with the rest coming along as well-wishers and supporters. I think it’s safe to suggest that this is a statement and I would hope that it makes our MLAs sit up and take notice – as councillors in the town already have – to say ‘we have had enough’. There has to be more funding made available for education around drugs and what they can do to lives. As a family, we would urge the government to stand up (and take responsibility).”

Mr Carlin has also called for enhanced vigilance from local publicans when it comes to drugs.

He continued, “I am calling for extra vigilance from our local bars to ensure their premises offer a safe space for entertainment free from drug abuse. There are drugs everywhere and sadly it leads to mental health issues. Drugs will ruin your life. It will ruin your families’ life.

“There’s no happy ending with drugs. Your life matters.”

Mr Carlin said he and his family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who turned up on the day and donated money or time to the worthy cause.

He added, “We have various other events lined up, with all the money going towards the Koram Centre.

“There have been too many victims and too many lives lost due to drugs and Strabane has spoken, saying ‘enough is enough’. The only motive drug dealers have is to drive misery and fear into our communities. Drug dealers have no place in our local area. They should pack up and go.

“We’re not just doing this for Rory but for everyone who has felt the pain of losing a loved one to drugs and we began this campaign to do something positive in his memory. This is only the beginning.”