Write a comment
Newry's answer to a New York cabbie, Taxi Jo and his sidekick Baghead have raised an amazing £2858 for Newry suicide prevention charity PIPS Hope and Support.
Taxi Jo aka Gino Lynch along with sidekick Baghead - Hugh Feenan, recently completed a half marathon to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
On June 7, Gino (Taxi Jo) and Hugh Feenan took on a social distanced half marathon to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention within the Newry area in return for donations to their Just Giving page. Following on from this, the pair organised an online raffle with a number of prizes up for grabs in return for donations from those looking to be in with a chance at winning one of three in demand prizes.
On completion, Gino and Hugh presented PIPS Hope and Support with the proceeds from their initiatives which totalled an incredible £2,858.00 excluding Gift Aid.
Speaking at the cheque presentation, Gino and Hugh, thanked everyone who supported and/or donated to their initiative; "We initially set out to do this when the Newry half marathon was taking place to raise awareness and funds for mental health. When it was cancelled due to Covid-19, Hugh and I still wanted to undertake this experience for the charity and decided to hold our own on June 7th in the Newry area, recording our run on the day, allowing followers to watch along and donate whilst we raised awareness of the suicide prevention charity.
"On completion, we decided to host an online raffle with prizes for the three top winners which proved popular, allowing us to maximise donations that we know will benefit those within the community who need the services of PIPS Hope and Support. We both would like to thank all those who supported and donated to our events, allowing us to raise a glorious amount for a fantastic charity."
PIPS Hope & Support fundraising coordinator, Padraig Harte thanked Gino and Hugh, for their donation, but also for the mammoth awareness they have created for our charity. “PIPS Hope and Support thank Gino and Hugh for their efforts in delivering these initiatives to raise the much-required funds and awareness for the charity. The monies donated will allow PIPS Hope and Support to continue providing immediate therapy to anyone within the community experiencing suicidal thoughts, high levels of anxiety, poor mental health or bereaved through suicide. Our appreciation and thanks also to every individual who donated and supported Gino and Hugh's fundraiser for the charity. We are grateful for every one’s kindness."
