'They’re crying out for help’: Limerick suicide prevention group on tales of sadness and hope

Limerick has consistently had the highest rate of suicide in Ireland over the past five years, but volunteers are looking out for those for whom a simple talk could mean the difference between life and death

Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention members Lee Reeves and Chloe Nash. Lee joined after his mother took her own life, while Chloe’s father was already a member. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

After losing his mother to suicide, a Limerick boxer joined a prevention group to patrol the banks of the River Shannon. One night, the young man risked his life to save a woman from drowning in the fast-moving water.

Lee Reeves lost his mother, Cathy, who died by suicide, in 2015. He joined Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP) as an ambassador after noticing them walk alongside the three bridges in their fluorescent jackets.