Raising suicide awareness by ‘Drumming for Geoff’

The death in March last year of X-Factor hopeful, Geoff Wray, from Foyle Crescent in Newbuildings, has inspired one of his friends to raise awareness of suicide by staging a drumming event.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Nov 2013, 11:39 BST
The Late Geoff Wray, who died last March.The Late Geoff Wray, who died last March.
The Late Geoff Wray, who died last March.

Through ‘Drumming for Geoff’ Richard Campbell will drum non-stop for 36 hours to raise money for suicide prevention on November 30 and December 1 at Upstairs Downstairs, from 11.30am both days. Admission is by way of a donation, which will go to Contact, a charity aimed at restoring wellbeing through counselling to alleviate issues such as suicidal thoughts.

Speaking about his marathon drumming event, Richard said: “Geoff and I were friends. We grew up together and played in bands together and his death came as a big shock. We were both drummers and Geoff also sang and played guitar.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Whenever we were in bands and even when we were grown up, whenever we got together the drumsticks would come out and the usual phrase was ‘Let’s settle this once and for all and see who is the better’. We were always having drum-offs. It was good fun,” said Richard.

Initially Richard had thought about performing a non-stop solo drumming event for 36 hours, but decided to approach bands and make it a more attractive, open event.

I thought if I could use a space where Geoff played and bring in different musicians I would keep it fresh for myself and attract other people who could come along and donate,” he said, adding: “Doing this is important. There is a big group of family and friends that think about Geoff on a daily basis, and, because of the work that Contact do, if they can help prevent another family or circle of friends from going through this it will be worth it. So far no one has turned me down and a lot of great bands are taking part.”