Inspiring 92-year-old Donegal Town woman to skydive for youth suicide charity

Brave, inspirational, a rock of strength, a powerhouse - these are some of the words that are being used to describe a 92-year-old woman who is preparing to take on a skydive.

Kay Sinclair from Donegal Town is taking part in the skydive on July 20 to raise money for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland. 

Her initial target of €2,000 has already been smashed, with the donations continuing to pour in. 

Along with the donations are many personal messages of support, showing just how much people have been touched by Kay’s courage.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at https://tini.ie/EGseOovka

Some of the messages of support show the regard in which Kay is held:

“What a fantastic thing to do. So brave. For a wonderful cause. Good luck x”

 "You are some woman!”

“Kay you are amazing. Best of luck”

"You are beyond inspiring Kay … what a wonderful, courageous thing to do. Enjoy every second of the jump. A great adventure to support such a vital charity. Best of luck”

“You are an inspiration to anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing you and we can't wait to cheer you on”

For Prevention, For Youth, For Life

According to the organiser’s website skydive.yspi.ie, Ireland still has one of the highest reported rates of death by suicide in the European Union. Young males under 21 are most at risk but children as young as nine years old have died by suicide too. 

“Our experience is that the actual rate is much higher, and almost no school or community in the country is untouched by losing someone to suicide,” the website reads. 

Due to the huge increase in mental health issues since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, all funds raised from the Skydive For Life are going towards the Youth Crisis Counselling Service. They will pay for fast, free, access to local counsellors and psychologists for young people in crisis or at immediate risk of suicide or self-harm.

Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland is hoping to raise at least €50,000 during 2024 to:

fund 800 hours of crisis counselling

facilitate fast access to counselling services for families in crisis

fund counselling support for schools with students in crisis

fund counselling referrals from GPs with patients at risk of suicide