Over £60,000 raised so far in memory of Rory Carlin

A STRABANE couple who have raised over £60,000 for local charities in memory of their son are preparing to take on their latest fundraising challenge.

Dominic Carlin and his wife Karen were left devastated last May when their son Rory took his own life due to a drink and drug addiction.

Rory was a member of the Strabane Athletic football team, and was described as a ‘skilled sportsman’ and a genuine, polite and lovable lad’. He worked as a scaffolder with his brother Ryan.

Now, in memory of Rory, the Carlin and Casey family, along with friends, have decided to run the Omagh Half Marathon this weekend and next month’s Belfast Marathon.

Two weeks ago, the family 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.

Then, at the weekend, Dominic and Karen took a solo trip up the mountain and placed a plaque in Rory’s memory near the summit.

They are raising much-needed funds for the Koram Centre in Strabane.

The money will provide education and outreach services for local mental health and drug addiction services in Strabane.

The family has all ready raised an amazing £62,000 for charity through numerous events, including runs and the sponsored walk up Errigal.

Dominic told the Strabane Chronicle, “We did not see Rory’s passing coming, we were so shocked. Rory was a really fun-loving and mannerly guy who loved sports and his friends.

“Drugs got a whole hold of him though and they destroyed his life. There are far too many young people in our town whose lives are wrecked by drink and drugs.

“Rory would’ve wanted me to try and do something about it so we set up the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund which so far has raised over £62,000 for the Koram Centre. They were a great help to the family and offer counselling and support services for lots of people locally.”

Dominic added, “I really want to thank every individual and who has donated so far to the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund. The amount we have raised is amazing.

“I would also like to say to anyone who is suffering out there to talk to someone. Tell a family member or a friend.”

l To donate to the cause you can visit the website justgiving.com.