A Co Tyrone woman is helping raise awareness of mental health services after the sudden passing of her husband.
Pauline Alexander from Sion Mills explained it was her personal experience of caring for someone with a mental illness, which inspired her and her son, Craig, to take part in local mental health charity AWARE NI's 'Giant Steps' event last year.
She is encouraging people to sign up for this year's event on Saturday, 20 May, to help raise awareness and funds to support people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder in Northern Ireland.
Read more: NI man helping others after 'mental health hell'
Pauline said: "My late husband, Stephen, suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety all his adult life…when he passed away, we had raised money through donations instead of flowers but felt we could do more.
"Before my husband decided to take his own life, he had said that he would take part in AWARE NI's Giant Steps, and I had planned to do it with him, so that's why my son and I wanted to complete it and raise money in his honour.
"We are so glad we did; everyone was generous with their donations."
Pauline and Craig raised over £3,000 to help AWARE NI continue supporting local people affected by mental illness in Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on last year's event, Pauline said: "It was such a great achievement crossing the finish line! It was so nice to meet other people and hear their stories. It's only when you get talking to people that you realise how many people suffer."
"If you’re thinking about signing up, go for it! Not only will you get a good day's exercise…you will be helping a worthwhile charity.
"If your donations can save one person's life and prevent a family from going through what we went through, then the day will have been worth it", she added.
Community Fundraising Officer at AWARE NI, Bridie Kelly, said: "We were deeply saddened to hear of Stephen’s passing, but we were incredibly honoured that Pauline and Craig chose to support AWARE NI in his memory.
"At AWARE NI, we work tirelessly in the hope that everyone can access the help they need to overcome mental illness. By joining us as we take Giant Steps towards a better future, with every step, you will be helping us walk towards a world where mental illness is no longer stigmatised and everyone has access to resources and support to help them manage their mental health."
AWARE NI's Giant Steps will bring you along the waymarked paths of the Causeway Coastline with a 7, 13 or 26-mile route between Carrick-a-rede and Portballintrae.
All funds raised will help AWARE NI to continue providing support to people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder in Northern Ireland.
To find out more and register, visit www.aware-ni.org/giant .
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. The following helplines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: Lifeline (0808 808 8000) and Samaritans (116 123).
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