NOMINATOR

NOMINEE

• Background and Extent of fundraising undertaken: John Quinn is a taxi driver yet he is known throughout Clondalkin as the person to go to if you are suicidal. He lost his youngest boy (Sean 17 years old) to suicide four years ago and he has become a champion in the fight against this national scourge. John has not only created enormous awareness of suicide intervention but also highlighted the service of Pieta House. He is a living example of how people should respond to crisis in their community, he is a living example of how to turn tragedy into positive action.

• Distinctiveness of the effort: John has raised approximately €40,000 over the last couple of years - he has brought money into Pieta House at times when we didn't know where the next euro was coming from. Not only fundraising very much needed cash, John also provides us with Coffee, Tea and sugar because this is an essential part of our service - nurturing the client with a cup of tea the moment they come into the house. John has been responsible for Golf Classics, sponsored walks and Sulki Drives (pony and trap) and these events take place with the people of his community and within the community.

• Longevity: John has been involved with Pieta House within months of its opening in 2006. He is a constant and also a much needed friend to Pieta House

• Innovation: As previously stated John has involved his own community with fundraising and creating awareness. He has taken the stigma of suicide away and given permission to people to talk about suicide. He has spoken publicly about his experiences and about Pieta house. He has brought our service to areas in Ireland that had not heard about us.

• Leading by example: John is such an inspiration that RTE filmed a programme following his daily life (Would you Believe). We received a deluge of calls and support after this programme. Many people wanted to talk to John himself - describing how they felt hope after this programme and how he inspired them to believe that there is life after suicide.