Community rallies as Leitrim woman raises over €20,000 in memory of close friend

Emma O’Hagan, from Manorhamilton, has completed an extraordinary challenge, taking a cold dip every day for 60 days in aid of charity and in loving remembrance of her friend, raising an incredible total of over €20,300.

Emma, also known as Emma’s Footprints on Instagram, is a committee member of mental health charity North West STOP, which will receive the funds raised. Speaking about the motivation behind the fundraiser, Emma explained that the charity is currently aiming to match fund €100,000 to renovate the old Garda station in Drumkeeran for its future use. When December was approaching, she decided to take on the challenge to support this important project.

The fundraiser also held deep personal meaning for Emma, as it honoured the life of her friend Rachel Kerrigan, who passed away through suicide in 2012 at the age of 17. “It was coming up to her anniversary and I thought it might be a nice way to remember her while raising funds and awareness,” explained Emma.

While Emma is no stranger to sea swimming, this challenge felt especially fitting as Rachel had a strong connection to the water. Emma shared that Rachel loved surfing, and the ocean was close to her heart. “Rachel loved the water, her favourite place was Tullan Strand in Bundoran which was where we did our final dip on New Years Eve with her family, friends and community. There were 150 people. It was a beautiful celebration of her life,” said Rachel.

Following the New Year’s Eve dip, Emma felt so uplifted by the outpouring of support that she decided to extend the challenge into January. 

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The final cold dip took place on January 29, which coincided with Rachel’s anniversary and marked the 60th and final day of the fundraiser.

Emma with Derek and Margo Kerrigan, parents of Rachel, at her 60th and final fundraising dip.

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Emma described the experience as bittersweet. “It’s beautiful to see the support and it shows the devastation that suicide leaves behind. As soon as the community heard about this fundraiser for Rachel they showed up in force to honour her memory. The fact that I organised it is a small thing in a really big movement,” said Emma.

“It shows how important Rachel’s life is to all of our community. The amount of money is incredible and I’m blown away, I really am,” she added.

Emma also spoke about the vital work carried out by North West STOP, highlighting how the organisation meets growing local demand without long waiting lists or delays.

“This month alone, North West STOP has received 58 calls from those in need and it’s the busiest January on record,” explained Emma. “It’s a service that’s really needed. Rural Ireland definitely has its struggles but no matter where you are, to have a service like North West STOP is an absolute treasure,” she added.

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She outlined several ways people can support North West STOP, including donating through fundraisers such as hers, contributing via the charity’s website, attending events, or organising community initiatives like coffee mornings.

Looking back over the past 60 days, Emma expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the journey, with special thanks to her home community. “Thank you to everyone who has donated to everyone who has supported. The community in Manorhamilton has really come together for this,” she concluded.

Emma’s fundraiser can be found online here. Donations towards the renovation of the old Garda barracks in Drumkeeran, which will be repurposed for North West STOP, can also be made on GoFundMe here.

If you have been affected by the contents of this article, supports are available by visiting yourmentalhealth.ie or calling the Your Mental Health Information Line on 1800 111 888.