October 16th 2019

The Keep the Light on Campaign was an idea derived from the popularity of the ZGBTST’s Cycle for Suicide Fundraiser in June 2019 – which seen Zachary’s Dad, Terry embark on a mammoth journey around Northern Ireland, cycling 1200 miles in 11 days and lighting a 7 day burning candle in 120 towns across the Provence. 

By the time Terry had finished his journey, the whole of Northern Ireland was lit up in memory of those who have lost their lives to suicide, bereaved by suicide or victims of mental illness. 

The impact of the significance of the candle raised the Trust’s profile to new heights, we found ourselves emerged in messages, urging Terry to choose them as the recipient of the candle. With the Keep the Light on Campaign, we wanted to be able to provide families across the UK with our symbol of remembrance and hope. 

On Wednesday 16th October 2019, the Trust will be launching the Keep the Light on Campaign, which will be used to support those who have lost their lives to suicide, bereaved by suicide or victims of mental illness across the UK. We will be hosting a coffee morning at the Mayors Chambers in Coleraine at 10.30am for us to mark the launch.

This date is also the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trusts 2nd year anniversary and marks the Birthday of Zachary himself. 

Our own, handcrafted and personalised candles will go on sale, at the launch and also online – so everyone can Keep the Light On with us. These 7 day burning candles will cost £10 and are available for free shipping across the UK and ROI for those who wish to purchase. All proceeds raised from the purchase of a candle is donated to the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust where 100% of the money is injected straight back into the community. 

The Keep the Light on Campaign is the first of three different campaigns being launched within the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust. Its purpose is to:

1. Remember those who are bereave, suffering or have lost their lives to suicide. 
2. Unite the Mental Health and wider community 
3. Highlight the importance of mental health, suicide prevention and suicide survivors 
4. Keep the conversation going surrounding mental health 
5. Show the impact mental health has had on our lives 

The Keep the Light on Candle is the vocal point of this launch and symbolises: 

1. A unique talking point of what the candle represents and why it is important to you 
2. Hope and a reminder that the future is bright 
3. A guiding light home for those lost 
4. The flame in our hearts for those who have passed 

This campaign will be supported by other events happening in 2019 & 2020 – we would love to share your story of your candle and see where you have lit it in your home by taking a photo and tagging the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust with the hashtag #keepthelighton so we can share it on our social media. To purchase a candle you can do so through our PayPal: http://www.paypal.me/zgbtst and remember to include your address for posting.

ZGBTST Socials: 

FB: Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust 

Insta: yasmingeddis or zgbtst 

Web: www.zacharygeddisbreakthesilencetrust.org 

Blog: www.theoriginalsuperstar.com 

Email: yasmin@zacharygeddisbreakthesilencetrust.org 

Tel: 07931981962