Mary O’Gara Foundation signs two former Preston North End players as ambassadors

Mary O'Gara. Pic: Sharon and Paul O'Gara — Mary O’Gara. Pic: Sharon and Paul O’Gara

Former Preston North End players, Alan Kelly and Andy Lonergan are the two newest charity ambassadors for the Mary O’Gara Foundation.

The foundation, in support of the late Mary who took her own life at the age of 27, wishes to prevent suicide and raise awareness regarding this.

Alan Kelly, a former goalkeeper for Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers, has stepped up to support the charity saying he is “looking forward to working together with the team to raise awareness of the vital work it provides.”

Started playing his goalkeeping profession in the mid-80s, and Alan followed in his dad Alan Kelly Snr’s footsteps.

He added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to represent the Mary O’Gara Foundation.”

Andy Lonergan, who played for Preston over 230 times and is now a first-team goal at Wigan, said he felt “proud to accept this role.”

He said he got to know the O’Gara family over the last year and now this foundation is very close to his heart.

Through the footballer’s collaboration, the charity continues its work towards creating a “suicide-safe community,” in honour of the late Mary O’Gara.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.