YOU don't ever "get over" losing someone you love.
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For many grieving a loved one, the path to finding a space for this intense emotion is a difficult one.
Neil Clancy and his wife Lorraine have suffered unimaginable loss.
Their son Sean committed suicide. Not only are they without a child, but also answers.
Neil said Lifeline helped them make sense of the trauma.
To thank them for their support, Neil shone the positive light of awareness on June 11 and braved the big shave.
He had been growing his hair and a beard since last year, and with the help of Andy Liebeck of Andy Pandy Hair Candy, lopped the lot and raised over $1800 along the way.
Suicide has also taken the lives of several of Neil's former army mates.
Lifeline has been an important support service to help Neil manage his grief and loss. The head shave fundraiser was a way to give back and say thank you.
"Lifeline helped us to cope during such a traumatic time in our lives, both one on one and in group sessions, that we found to be very uplifting and informative," Neil said.
"All money raised will go to Lifeline to continue their work in this crucial area.
"Lifeline helped me and my wife with different ways to cope. We met a lot of people along the way who were in the same situation as us at that time and we still keep in contact with them."
You can support Neil's efforts at his GoFundMe page. CLICK HERE.
Lifeline Mid Coast offers a 13 11 14 crisis support line; support groups for those bereaved by suicide; community training that includes Crisis Support Training; DV-alert; Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid and provides community events such as Walk Out of the Shadows and Into the Light.
Cheques for Neil's fundraiser can be sent to Lifeline Mid Coast, 5 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie. Add a note that it's a donation for Neil's Great Shave and all donations via cheque or the Go Fund Me page are 100 per cent tax deductible.
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