Anxiety and depression are very common mental health conditions. In too many cases, the end result is someone taking their own life. One such person who took her own life was Mary O’Gara. This is an absolute tragedy for the family so irretrievably affected.
Mary O’Gara was a vibrant young Preston woman, working hard to train as a nursing associate. She was seen as a vibrant character with a generous predisposition. Mary had a great friendship network and was well loved by all who knew her. However, depression tormented her and that resulted in her taking her own life. Her family and friends remain devasted by this terrible event.
Mary’s family set up the Mary O’Gara Foundation to share Mary’s story, to support mental health awareness and to dispel the stigma attached to depression and suicide. The objectives of the registered charity are to provide suicide prevention awareness and education, driven by the primary aim and responsibility to save lives.
The foundation works closely with partner organisations: Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA), Papyrus and LivingWorks. They offer free and fully funded suicide prevention training sessions across the north west. These sessions are available to schools, colleges, universities, youth groups, local industry, public health sector, faith communities and any other organisations that work with or support young people (up to the age of 25) and will be funded by the Mary O’Gara Foundation. This is an amazing tribute to a much loved and lost daughter by Mary’s family.
This year, the Mary O’Gara Foundation is one of the charities selected by the Mayor of Preston, Sue Whittam. It is hoped that by choosing the Mary O’Gara Foundation, they will attract more funding to carry out this vital work and help to save more lives.
Preston Guild Lodge No 4408 had the honour of presenting a donation of £1,000 to Mary’s parents, Sharon and Paul. The Mayor of Preston, Sue Whittam, received the cheque on behalf of the Foundation from master of the lodge, David Parker Jnr. David was supported by Barry Wright, the lodge charity steward and other members of the lodge. Sharon said that £1,000 would cover the training costs for 90 people. Each then has the ability to help to save many lives. The lodge hopes that this contribution will support the work of these wonderful people.
More information about the Mary O’Gara Foundation can be found on their website by clicking here. In October 2024, the foundation organised a Walk of Hope, starting from University Square in Preston, the walk took a gentle circular walk taking in Avenham Park.