The Hugs For Hope gang that are aiming to land Mullingar a new world record: Susanne McNamee, Donal Coade, Jack Sleator, Caroline Sleator, Annette Bennett, Wesley Foley, Clem Tully and Cllr Peter Burke.

Free hugs record attempt on joe dolan bridge

A world record attempt will be undertaken on Sunday September 13 for 'most hugs on the Joe Dolan Bridge’.

The 'Hugs For Hope’ event is organised by a group of volunteers, led by Donal Coade, and coincides with Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

It aims to raise awareness of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and raise money for services such as Good2Talk and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

Registration is at the Bank of Ireland tomorrow, Friday, as well as the Market Square on Saturday, where organisers will be giving out free wrist bands, as well as 'free hug’ coupons.

“We’re hoping to make it into the Guinness Book of Records for the most amount of hugs given on the bridge. “We’re going to make this a hugely positive event with lots of laughter and fun on the day.”

The Hugs for Hope is not just a one-time event as Donal wants to create a charity that will act as an ongoing source of awareness.

• The 'Hugs For Hope’: U12s free, 12-18 €5, and adults €10.