AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy who was devastated by the suicide of his teenage brother was joined by his young cousin to launch a wristband in his memory yesterday.
The wristband, aimed at helping to promote The Samaritans, was unveiled at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland.
The children were determined to come up with something positive following the death of 19-year-old Daniel O'Hare at his home in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Easter Bank Holiday.
Daniel's younger brother, Matthew Smith and cousin, Sarah O'Hare, 12, wanted to do something in Daniel's memory - and came up with the idea of a wristband to raise money for The Samaritans.
The children inspired a fundraising campaign that raised £7,000 to pay for 20,000 wristbands.
Selling at £1 each, the wristbands will raise money for the youth work of The Samaritans in the region.
They have enlisted the help of Sunderland AFC and Hartlepool United to sell the wristbands - sporting a slogan devised by the youngsters, "If U Care Share". The Durham FA has also pledged its support.
Matthew, who plays in the Hartlepool School of Excellence said: "I just wanted something good to come out of what has happened. I do not want anyone else to go through what I have been through."
Daniel's mother, Shirley Smith, said: "What has made it more difficult is not knowing why he did it. We were planning so many things together. I would love for this to be a legacy for him."
Footballer Paul Gascoigne, who is backing the scheme but was unable to attend the launch, was represented by his friend, Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner, at the unveiling of the wristbands.
Mr Gardner said: "Gazza has given the project his full support. He has suffered from depression himself and knows its effects. He sees this as being something positive to come out of the tragedy."
Samaritans North-East marketing manager Suzanne McIvor, who helped the children realise their project, said: "It is impossible not to be inspired by these children. I feel we have a unique chance to raise awareness of Samaritans in the North with a massive publicity campaign."
Former Sunderland AFC captain Kevin Ball said: "I was a friend of Dan, who knew my son Luke. He had a great love for the game. I would never have known he had problems.
"We hope this will keep his memory alive and help other young people in the same position."
The Samaritans can be contacted at jo@samaritans.org or on 08457 909090.
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