"I have always wanted to help people to help themselves. Perhaps this is my opportunity."

Irish, Born 1952 Eldest of 12 children Engineer Irish Telecommunications Co. 1969 - 1999 Man Dir. Electronic Surveillance Company 1999 - 2009 Married 1976 Two Children Pretty successful life until June 2008 when my wife was diagnosed with cancer of the cervex. Passed away 23rd Dec'08 1st of 7 close family deaths in a period 7 years inc my Father, (80) my niece (22) and a younger brother (64) last year from motornuurone disease. Due partly to the stress of my wife's sudden passing and the financial crash of 2009, I lost my business and was left with huge debts. Bottom line by late 2009 I found myself in severe financial trouble , deep in grief and with two children starting third level college. (fees astronomical). My head was wrecked. I was trying to grieve for my wife but every year someone else close to me would pass away. In addition I was trying to keep my kids in college while debts and final demand notices kept arriving in the post. I was severely depressed although I did not know this at the time. During 2010 I kept hearing voices in my head telling me to commit suicide. I thought I was going insane and I was afraid to tell anyone for fear of being put in a mental hospital. By some miracle and with the help of two very good friends I managed to survive. My daughter Aoife who is now a psychiatric nurse presented me with a beautiful grandchild (Tommy) last November. It felt so good to have a new life in the family again. My son Ronan has graduated with degrees in music and software development and is at present employed by an American company based in California. I feel blessed to have lived through this cycle of grief and financial hardship. I have good technical and leadership skills plus a desire to give something back to the universe for keeping me alive. I have always wanted to help people to help themselves. Perhaps this is my opportunity