Write a commentA former drug addict from Dublin is bringing his Tour of Hope to Newry next week and will be at the Marcus Square Event Space in Hill Street and Newry Bus Station through the week.
John Edwards promoting “WALKING FREE” will arrive in Newry on Monday 2nd March and park his giant 33ft long by 6ft wide syringe “biggest syringe in the World” at the Events Space in the Cathedral Quarter in Hill Street.
John will conduct his outreach programme from the giant syringe, which doubles as his home if needed. John ended up living and begging on the streets of London, accidentally overdosing many times. Many of John’s friends have died through the effect of alcohol and drugs. Although John had a liver transplant, Hepatitis C and Cancer twice he is now back on his feet clean and sober for 24 years and is touring Northern Ireland. John hopes to help individuals who struggle with drugs and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, self harm issues and depression. The event is being organised in association with Newry & Mourne District Council, Newry City Centre Management, Newry City PSNI Neighbourhood Team and Newry & Mourne Policing Community Safety Partnership.
Policing Community Safety Partnership Chair Cllr Andy Moffet stated "The PCSP works to support the PSNI in tackling drug issues in our District. I welcome initiatives such as this Walking Free Tour of Hope as a means to really open the eyes and ears of our young people and their parents and open conversations about concerns in relation to legal highs"
Constable Kenny Gracey, Newry Neighbourhood Policing Team stated: “Preventing the use of drugs is a priority for us in Newry & Mourne and we believe that working together with our partners enables us to provide an all-encompassing view of how dangerous drugs are and the devastating consequences they can have on your life. During presentations to young people in the local area, John will discuss ‘legal highs’. Our message is clear, even the term ‘legal high’ is a misnomer. These substances are presented as legal but they may contain substances that are harmful and not fit for human consumption. There is no way of knowing what is in these substances and what possible side effects they could have on your health, both short term and long term. “Our message is simple – don’t take the chance!”
John will be located at the Events Space on Hill Street and Newry Bus Depot on the following dates:
Monday 2nd March: Events Space, Hill Street (All Day)
Tuesday 3rd March: Events Space, Hill Street (All Day)
Friday 6th March: Newry Bus Depot – 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday 7th March: Events Space, Hill Street – 10:00am – 4:00pm
For more information please can visit www.walkingfree.org to read about John’s Story.
