SEVEN years after their teenage son was fatally stabbed as he made his way home from a night out with friends in Killarney, Lotte and Denis Lyne have set up a foundation in his memory which they hope will help to reduce bullying and foster greater empathy in young people.
Stephen Lyne was just 17 when he lost his life in a violent attack on Ross Road, in June 2009, and his devastated parents want to honour him by launching a new educational programme for local schools.
They are confident that the project can help tackle anti social behaviour in young people by teaching them greater empathy and the true value of life.
Stephen’s family hopes to raise €20,000 to enable them to implement the programme in three local schools at the start of the new term in September. The educational initiative is based on the simple concept of bringing a baby to visit the schools for the children to meet on a regular basis and it is aimed at improving their emotional literacy and teaching the importance of personal safety.
Lotte said the Roots of Empathy programme – facilitated by children’s charity Barnardos – is known to have a very significant impact on the children that participate and those that are perceived to be the most troubled very often become the most engaged.
“The Stephen Lyne Foundation is set up to try and prevent innocent children growing into people capable of violence. We want to make our community a safer place for our young people,” said Lotte who has demonstrated enormous strength and courage following the devastating death of her eldest son.
“I am committed to making sure my son did not die for nothing. To honour Stephen’s memory, I want to make a direct, positive impact on children in Kerry” she added.
Lotte has set up an online funding site to enable people to donate to the very worthy cause that really can help to make a difference.
* To support the Stephen Lyne Foundation go to https://www.gofundme.com/2afetgs or http://www.stephenlynefoundation.org
