Former League of Ireland Star Undertaking Walking Relay Challenge in Support of FirstLight

This April, entrepreneur and former League of Ireland Premier Division star Jesse Devers will undertake a walking challenge in aid of the national charity FirstLight. Established in 1976, FirstLight offers free professional counselling support and information to families in Ireland who have experienced the sudden, unexpected death of their child from 0 to18 years. Jesse, a native of Ballina, is a former Manulla and Sligo Rovers forward and recently entered the business world with his luxury hairstyle brand, Flye Hair, in February.

The challenge will entail Jesse walking a mile per day for 30 days and nominating three new people per day to join him remotely in the challenge and make a donation to FirstLight. The challenge will be completed while always adhering to the COVID-19 restrictions relating to distance and social contacts. Jesse has established a GoFundMe page where he is encouraging people to donate what they can. All proceeds will go directly to FirstLight to provide free professional counselling for suddenly bereaved parents and families across Ireland.

Discussing his reason for nominating FirstLight, Jesse said: “My young cousin was killed in a road traffic accident in 2018, which left my family devastated and heartbroken. I was again reminded of this pain upon hearing the news of the sudden deaths of two talented young footballers, Josh Dunne (16), who died suddenly in Dublin and Luke Bennett (17), an academy player AFC Fylde, England, who died suddenly in a freak accident.

Continuing, Jesse said: “Covid-19 has got us all thinking about what’s is important to us. I want to raise awareness and help out in any way I can because I have seen first-hand how families suffer from the sudden unexpected loss of a loved one. In educating people about FirstLight, I hope, in turn, to help raise vitally needed funds so they can continue providing their free professional services nationwide.

Fionnuala Sheehan, CEO of, FirstLight said: “It is only through the continued generous support from persons such as Jesse Devers that we can continue providing free professional counselling support to families whose child has died suddenly.”

FirstLight is a trauma-informed organisation offering a National 24-hour Helpline service, Crisis Intervention and a Psychotherapy service. Their services are provided nationwide by a professionally accredited team, fully insured, and Garda vetted psychotherapists and counsellors. The team members are professionally trained to provide support to clients experiencing trauma associated with the sudden death of their child. All of their services to families are free of charge and confidential.

Ends.

For all media queries, please phone Andrew Mernagh at FirstLight on 087-2911028 or email [email protected]

• Dated: Mar 24