The heartbroken mother of a young teenage boy who took his own life has blasted Covid-19 lockdowns and urged parents not to take time with their kids for granted.
The sudden death of 14-year old Ryan Whelan Griffin at his home in Duleek, Co Meath last year left the community reeling and his family devastated.
His parents Rebecca and Shane and younger brother Dylan are still desperately searching for answers they will probably never get as to why their bubbly and popular cherished son and brother died.
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Since his death on February 2nd, 2022, Rebecca has been fundraising to thank Pieta House for all their help through their tragic time and has also sent her huge appreciation to the people of Duleek who dropped food and cards outside their door in an outpouring of support.
As Rebecca prepares to undertake an abseil for Pieta House this weekend, she urges parents not to take time with their children for granted and listen more to them.
Ryan, who was a second-year student at Drogheda Grammar School and an avid fan of Drogheda United, was well-known in the village for his love of his 'best friend' and dog Bailey.
Indeed, after his passing the premier division side were among those to pay tribute to one of their 'great young fans'. "We don't know what happened Ryan and we will probably never know," said his mum Rebecca.
"I think it was a moment of madness. I think children live in the moment and never take time to see that there is a way out of everything. I went through all his possessions, looking for answers, even his phone and I found nothing. To be honest I was shocked at the amount of friends that he did have when I went through his friend groups on the phone.
"Ryan was a bundle of fun, very outgoing, very caring and very deep. He hated to upset anyone. We are all struggling through every day now. Dylan started secondary school and I really found that emotional.
"Shane continued coaching the U16 soccer team in Duleek with which Ryan had been playing since he was about seven years old. The team mates have taken it so hard too. He was so popular, his death has caused ripples of sadness out to so many people and places
"The house is really quiet, the dog pines for him. It's just so tough. Ryan was so well known around the village with his dog Bailey that when he died, people who didn't know us and only knew Ryan because he was always out with Bailey, were leaving dog biscuits on our doorstep."
Rebecca began a Darkness into Light event in aid of Pieta House this year - along the route her boys used to to walk Bailey - which will be sanctioned as an official route next year.
"Pieta House was a huge support to us. They offered us and the boys in the football team counselling and talks and provided the family with a bereavement liaison officer who went above and beyond to see what we needed.
"I'm raising money now for the charity so no other family has to feel like we do. I don't know what went on in Ryan's head but if there was anything and he had told me, I would have got him counselling.
"I think Covid-19 lockdowns were too much for my son and damaging for all children. They separated children from their friends and social interaction for months. Ryan also had to cope with losing his beloved gran just before the lockdowns so he didn't really have the time to process that bereavement before trying to come to terms with the isolation of lockdowns.
"I would just say to any parent to listen to your kids because there might be something going on in their heads. Maybe when they come down for a glass of water in the evening, maybe what they really want is a chat. Parents are often just too busy in this day and age with all life's pressures that they take time with their children for granted. Please appreciate every second with them.
Anyone who would like to donate towards Rebecca's abseil this weekend can do so at: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/RebeccaGriffin56
For confidential help or support, visit the Samaritans website or call 116 123 for free
