Mother’s pride that money raised in son’s memory will help others
The heartbroken mother of a young Drumbaragh man who took his own life in 2021 says she is "proud" that over €60,000 raised in her son's name will help other families in their time of need.
Wayne Meegan (38), tragically passed away whilst living in Cambodia in late 2021 leaving behind his devastated family including parents, Bernie and Michael, and siblings Laura, Amanda, Karen, Stephen and Mike.
Bernie says the help they received from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, an organisation that helped to repatriate Wayne home was "a beacon of hope in a time of pain." As a way of giving back, the Meegan family organised a golf classic fundraising event last September at the Headfort Golf Club for the trust. An unbelievable amount of €62,800 was raised from the day, funds that will help repatriate up to nine people back to their loved ones.
"The Kevin Bell Foundation takes all your worries and concerns on board about how and where to start with the logistics of getting your loved one home from abroad, they are like a beacon of light in a time of darkness," said Bernie.
"No words can describe the fantastic work that they do, we as a family are so happy to give back and the fact that the amount raised will take home eight to nine people to their families is astounding, but also bitter sweet as no one knows when they will need to make that call to the organisation.
"We would sincerely like to thank all the amazing people and businesses who helped.”
Keen traveller Wayne made his way to Cambodia in January 2020 and although planned to move on, was forced to remain there as Covid took hold of the world.
He loved to experience new cultures, according to Bernie, who said that whenever asked where Wayne was in the world, she would have to stop and think. The globetrotter last spoke to his parents on 19th December 2021, sadly less than 48 hours later they received the tragic news every parent dreads.
"It I didn't think we'd be able to survive nine days, nine minutes without him. But you do get strength, we have a great family. I'm able to go to work but every day is a survival day because your life is never the same."
Bernie urges people who are struggling to talk to someone and in turn encourages people to watch out for signs in others. "As it's coming up to the Darkness into Light walk, I would like to say please talk, listen, look out for each other. We as a family will be walking the Darkness to Light walk together in memory of our beloved son and brother.”