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THE mother of a Killarney teenager who was fatally stabbed has set up a foundation in his memory. As Lotte Lyne unveiled details of the Stephen Lyne Foundation today, she said she believes it is something of which Stephen would have been proud.

Lotte hopes that the foundation, which involves a new school programme, will significantly reduce bullying and anti-social behaviour in young people.

Tragically, Stephen was killed, close to his family home, seven years ago. “The story of the Stephen Lyne Foundation begins in June 2009 with a phone call no parent ever wants to receive,” said Lotte. “It is an unimaginable heartbreak I would wish for no one.”

Now, the Stephen Lyne Foundation aims to raise €20,000 to introduce a programme into three Killarney primary schools this September. “Rather than focus on the loss of Stephen, I choose to concentrate on what I can do to prevent another family from going through what we have had to go through and are still going through,” said Lotte.

“The Roots of Empathy programme teaches children empathy and aims to reduce violence and bullying,” Lotte told the Killarney Advertiser.
“Children are taught empathy by observing a baby, who is brought into the classroom at various stages. To honour Stephen’s memory, we want to make a direct, positive impact on children in Kerry.”

The Roots of Empathy programme is delivered by children’s charity Barnardos. “My goal is to raise €20,000 by this September 2016,” said Lotte.
“My ultimate goal is to save a child’s life and make our community a safer place for our young people, to honour my son.”

You can support the foundation at a coffee morning on Wednesday, July 6, from 10am to 12pm in The Brehon Hotel. Tickets are €10 and will be available from Monday at the reception of The Brehon and in O’Donoghue’s Pharmacy, Main Street, or contact Lotte on 086-3527606. You can also support the foundation at https://www.gofundme.com/2afetgs or http://www.stephenlynefoundation.org
 

 
Lotte Lyne has set up the Stephen Lyne Foundation.