Family in fundraiser for charity that helped them grieve
THE family of a man who was killed in a street attack are raising money for a charity which helped them grieve.
Ryan Lowry, 36, from Marple, died after he was attacked with an axe on Moss Lane in Partington, Trafford, in February.
He was described by his heartbroken family as a person ‘full of kindness,’ who dedicated much of his life to charity work.
A 31-year-old man, thought to be known to Mr Lowry, was arrested on suspicion of murder and detained under the Mental Health Act.
Following the motor racing fan’s death, his family were put in touch with a charity which helps relatives affected by mental health homicide.
‘100 Families’ was set up by Julian Hendy, after his dad, Philip, was fatally stabbed by a psychotic man with a long history of mental illness.
Ryan’s older brother, Danny Lowry, 40, said the charity has provided him and his family with vital support and information.
The family say they want to follow in Ryan’s fundraising footsteps, and raise money for the 100 families charity.
Danny, his partner Maria, Ryan’s wife Michelle and his two brothers, Rikki and Charlie, have decided to cycle 100km, to commemorate what would have been Ryan’s 37th birthday.
A JustGiving page set up by the family has already raised more than £900.
“With everything that happened, we were put in touch with a charity which helps families affected by homicides relating to mental health,” Danny said.
“The charity is called 100 families because something like what happened to Ryan, happens to around 100 families in the UK a year.
“The founder, Julian, provided us with support and put us in touch with other families who had been through a similar thing to tell us what to expect.
“Ryan did a lot for mental health charity CALM and following his death we raised around £5,000 for them, so we decided to raise some money for 100 families too.”
Danny’s partner Maria, suggested the family cycle 100km for 100 families from Ryan’s home in Marple, finishing up at Oulton Park race track in Cheshire. “Ryan used to race Porsches and ran the CALM All Porsche trophy, with all the proceeds going to charity,” Danny said.
He says around 50 people are planning to join the bike ride, which will take place from September 3, to 5 – Ryan’s birthday.