TWO Fermanagh sisters are getting set to take part in a major fundraiser as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
On May 17, Linda Manley and Lorraine Wilson will join hundreds of walkers for the AWARE NI ‘Giant Steps’ event on the Causeway Coast.
The event will be especially poignant for them both, as it is taking place exactly one decade from the day Lorraine saved Linda’s life.
“Ten years ago, on this very date, my sister Lorraine saved my life during a time when I was really struggling with my mental health,” said Linda.
“Lorraine suggested we take part to celebrate how far we’ve come and to give back to a cause so close to our hearts.”
The Giant Steps walk is aimed at not only raising vital funds for mental health services, but also raising awareness of mental health conditions.
This is especially important to the sisters, with Linda sharing that her mental health journey had been ongoing and challenging.
“The stigma around mental health made it difficult to speak up or ask for help,” she said. “When I finally reached out, I faced long waiting lists and felt isolated.”
Linda and Lorraine will be joined by family and friends for the walk, with Linda explaining the immense benefit of the services provided by AWARE.
“AWARE NI’s peer-led support groups are a lifeline, connecting people who truly understand and offer the help they need,” Linda said.
“Giant Steps is about hope, resilience, and making sure no one else feels alone like I did,” she continued.
“I’m proof that you can be at rock bottom and turn things around. Back then, I never would have believed I’d be here today, happily married to a man who makes me feel loved and safe, with a beautiful baby boy.
“So although you may not believe things will get better, they can, and they will.”
Lorraine, who was the one to find Linda during her most difficult moment, spoke of her pride in her sister.
“The date 17 May stings, it’s a date I’ll never forget,” Lorraine recalled.
“That night still haunts me. Things could have ended so differently, but I’m incredibly proud of how far Linda has come and the strong, amazing woman she has become.”
Lorraine added, “For anyone suffering quietly, there is help – whether it’s speaking to a loved one or an organisation like AWARE NI – you need to reach out and get the help that works for you.”
Now in its fourth year, Giant Steps will welcome hundreds of participants from across the country, taking on routes of 7, 13, or 20 miles to support AWARE NI’s life-changing mental health services, including its network of peer-led support groups.
To register to take part, or donate, visit www.aware-ni.org/giant
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