History of the Foundation

The Niamh Louise Foundation was founded on the 2nd of February 2006, which would have been Niamh Louise Mc Kee 16th Birthday. She died by suicide on the 21st of November 2005.

Niamh’s family recognised that there was little support or help during and after this tragic event, thus they turned their energies to develop support for their local communities in Armagh and Tyrone and to create awareness on suicide as well as prevention and intervention.

A cross community committee was formed to spearhead the Niamh Louise Foundation, the charity became constituted and trustees were elected.
To launch their appeal a Ceremony of Lights was held in memory of those who died by suicide, in Armagh City Hotel on the 26th of April 2006.

This was a very emotional but successful night with the four church leaders in attendance all giving powerful reflections reminding us all that suicide touches all ages, gender and religion. Clonmore choir graced the evening with music, Niamh had been a member of this choir for 5 years. The Armagh Old Boys Silver Band played at the beginning and the end of the evening’s events.

The 10th of September is world suicide prevention day. The Niamh Louise Foundation will have an afternoon with Dr Frank Campbell from the Baton Rouge Centre in the USA who has over 20 years of dealing with families who have had loved ones die to suicide. The website and help line number will also be officially launched on that day.