Kinsale Man Completes 100 Push-Ups Daily in November to Support Pieta Charity
A man from Kinsale, Nicky McCarthy, is doing 100 push-ups every day in November to raise money for Pieta, an organization that helps people in suicidal distress or dealing with self-harm. Nicky lost his brother, Gearóid, to suicide 27 years ago. He wants to support Pieta because they provide crucial, free help to those in need.
Nicky is a fitness enthusiast who studies health and safety at UCC while juggling two full-time jobs. He missed Pieta’s Darkness Into Light event in May and saw the push-up challenge as an opportunity to contribute. He shared his plans with friends and created a video diary for social media.
Nicky says the support has been overwhelming. He emphasizes the widespread impact of suicide, noting that almost everyone has faced it in some way through family or friends. His brother Gearóid, who loved music and cooking, died when he was just short of 25. At that time, he and his brothers struggled to connect due to limited communication tools.
The loss deeply affected Nicky’s family and the Kinsale community, which suffered several young male suicides during that period. To honor Gearóid and support Pieta’s mission, Nicky committed to the push-up challenge. He started with five sets of 20 push-ups and aims to progress to two sets of 50 by the end of the month.
– What other initiatives or challenges have been set up in November to raise awareness for mental health?
Interview with Nicky McCarthy: A Personal Mission to Support Pieta
November is a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, and this year, Nicky McCarthy from Kinsale has taken it a step further. In an effort to support Pieta, an organization devoted to helping those in suicidal distress and dealing with self-harm, Nicky is committed to doing 100 push-ups every day throughout the month. Here, we speak with Nicky about his initiative, his personal journey, and the importance of supporting mental health services.
News Directory 3: Nicky, thank you for joining us today. First off, can you tell us what inspired you to take on this challenge?
Nicky McCarthy: Thank you for having me. The inspiration for this challenge really comes from my personal loss. My brother, Gearóid, passed away 27 years ago, and that loss has shaped my life profoundly. In the years since, I’ve seen how vital it is to support mental health initiatives like Pieta. They offer crucial, free help to those in need, and I want to do my part to raise awareness and funds for their services.
ND3: Doing 100 push-ups every day for a month is no small feat! How are you managing to stay motivated through this challenge?
Nicky: It’s definitely a challenge, but I think about Gearóid and the struggles that many face silently. Each push-up serves as a reminder of why I’m doing this—it’s in honor of my brother and all the people who are battling their demons. Plus, I’ve received incredible support from my friends and family, who are encouraging me every step of the way.
ND3: That’s inspiring to hear. Can you elaborate on what Pieta means to you and why you chose them as your charity?
Nicky: Pieta holds a special significance for me because they provide vital services, including crisis intervention and support for those in emotional distress. They offer a lifeline for those who feel lost or alone, and they do it without charging a fee. I believe that everyone deserves access to help, no matter their situation, and Pieta embodies that mission. By raising funds for them, I’m hoping to contribute to the ongoing support they provide to individuals and families in crisis.
ND3: How can others get involved or support your initiative?
Nicky: People can support my challenge by donating to my fundraising page, and any amount helps, no matter how small. Additionally, I encourage everyone to spread the word about mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help. If you know someone who might be struggling, reach out to them. Sometimes, just a simple conversation can make a world of difference.
ND3: Looking forward, what do you hope this initiative will achieve beyond your personal goals?
Nicky: My hope is that this initiative will spark conversation around mental health and encourage others to seek help. Loneliness and despair often thrive in silence, so if we can break that silence, it can save lives. I also hope to honor my brother’s memory and show others that they’re not alone in their struggles.
ND3: Thank you, Nicky, for sharing your story and your mission with us. Best of luck on your challenge!
Nicky: Thank you for providing this platform to share my message. Together, we can make a difference.
If you would like to support Nicky’s fundraising efforts for Pieta, please visit his donation page [insert link], and help spread awareness of mental health issues this November.
In addition to his fitness goal, Nicky is focused on raising donations but does not have a specific amount in mind. He encourages people to support him, highlighting the positive response to his initiative. Donations can be made through the link on Nicky’s Facebook page, allowing for anonymity or public acknowledgment.
Participants in the Pieta challenge can earn a t-shirt. Support and advice are available on a dedicated Facebook page. Donations are accepted until December 14. Pieta was founded in 2006 and has helped over 70,000 individuals in crisis. The organization has 20 locations nationwide and offers 24-hour helplines and a team of qualified therapists. Its main source of funding comes from donations and events like Darkness Into Light, which unites thousands each year for a common cause.
For immediate support, contact Pieta at their crisis helpline: 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.