Stacey Johnston lost her best friend Shauna Connolly, from Pettigo, to suicide in December 2015. Shauna, the daughter of Philip and May Connolly, was just 24-years-old. Stacey has also lost other friends and family members to suicide, and is painfully aware of the devastating impact the lack of mental health and support services here in the county is having on communities. 

As a tribute to Shauna, Stacey has organised a special concert at Mahon’s Hotel on Saturday, September 8th. The evening, which is also aimed at raising funds for local mental health charities, will certainly be an entertaining affair, featuring leading Pink tribute act Alecia  Karr. 

The choice of music wasn’t accidental. Stacey said both she and Shauna, who worked at SWAH, were big Pink fans, and had gone to see Alecia Kerr together at Molly’s in Irvinestown and then again in Belfast. 

“I’ve ever organised anything like this before, but I just want to make Shauna proud,” said Stacey. 

Over all, Stacey said she simply feels “something has to be done” to halt the number of deaths by suicide in Fermanagh, and to stop others going through what she and Shauna’s family have endured. 

“I was devastated when I found out on Christmas night what had happened,” she said. “I don’t want to see anyone else suffer and go through that.” 

The charity fundriasing and awareness extravaganza, on behalf of mental health awareness takes place from 8pm-late on September 8th. Tickets are £10 and available at Mahon’s or from Stacey. For more information call 68621656 or 07926449888. Proceeds will go to New Horizons.