Tullamore mum organises Fr Liam Lawton concert for Console
A Tullamore mother-of-two whose husband died by suicide is organising a local concert by international singing star Fr Liam Lawton, to raise funds for the national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console.
Rena Lynam from Arbutus Court, Tullamore, turned to Console for help and support after she lost her husband Stephen six years ago when her two young daughters were aged 13 and 11.
“Console were fantastic, they provided free professional counselling and a counsellor was always there at the end of a phone when I needed them,” said Rena.
“I got a lot of comfort from Console and now I am at a time in my life when I want to give something back.”
Rena has arranged for inspirational singing priest Fr Liam Lawton, who has performed at some of the world’s most auspicious venues including the Vatican, the White House and New York’s Carnegie Hall, to stage a concert at St Colmcilles Church in Durrow, on Friday, April 24 at 8pm.
“I am taking part in Console’s Camino walk in September and Fr Liam, who is my cousin, has kindly agreed to help me raise funds,” said Rena.
“Tickets for the concert are €20 and all of the proceeds will go towards the Console and the Camino walk.
“My husband was from the townland of Durrow so it is really appropriate that this concert for Console is in his local church.
“It will be a wonderful event as Fr Liam’s songs and melodies are full of meaning and pathos.
“His music can really stir the heart. One of his song’s, the cloud’s veil, became especially popular in the United States at the time of the 9/11 tragedy and was used at the memorial service for the 9/11 victims.”
Rena, who works part-time as a fashion consultant, also organised a fundraising bag pack at Dunnes Stores outlet at Church Road in Tullamore recently.
“It was great day which raised €1,000 for Console and I am very hopeful that Fr Liam Lawton’s concert will raise even more,” said Rena.
The €20 concert tickets can be purchased at The Parish Centre, Tullamore and at the Lo Co Music Store, The Mall, Tullamore or by calling Rena on 087 9943694.
Nationwide professional suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide (Freephone 1800 247 247).
Console has full time centres in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Wexford, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Athlone and Mayo.
The charity also offers liaison services in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Tipperary and Clare.
Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 247 247 and many resources and useful information can be found atwww.console.ie.
