As AWARE NI, the mental health charity for Northern Ireland, gears up for its annual fundraising Coastal Walk "Giant Steps" on Saturday, 27 April 2024, Lorraine Nugent from Cookstown makes a heartfelt return, driven by her personal journey through mental health challenges, with a mission to inspire others to join her.

Lorraine's participation in Giant Steps 2023 wasn’t just about completing a marathon – it marked a significant milestone in her family’s mental health journey. Growing up, Lorraine faced the stark reality of mental health challenges. "Mental health is something I have had to deal with first hand throughout my life, losing my Dad at age 12 to suicide," she shared. Her father, a pillar of strength in her eyes, was dealing with battles unknown to those around him.

The aftermath of her father's passing cast a shadow of severe depression over Lorraine's family, particularly her mother. "It was hard losing one parent who was your world, especially when the other, at times, couldn’t get out of bed due to losing their husband," Lorraine recalled.

However, witnessing her mother's resilience and eventual transformation brought newfound hope to Lorraine. "I watched my mum completely change her life and found ways to overcome depression through cold water therapy, walking, and mixing with others at the likes of AWARE NI events," she reflected.

Her mother's journey inspired Lorraine to embrace the power of community and support herself by attending AWARE NI’s Giant Steps in 2023. Reflecting on her experience at last year’s event, Lorraine shares how the event impacted her personally. "Giant Steps was my first-ever marathon, completed alongside my mother, and it was truly life-changing," she expressed. “From the moment we arrived at the starting point, the energy was electric and there was such warmth exuded by the staff and my fellow walkers – I met some really amazing people whom I am still friends with today!”

Now, as a mother herself, Lorraine recognises the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues and fostering a culture of support and understanding. "Life is precious, and no one has it easy," she emphasised. “Through events like AWARE NI's Giant Steps, we can work together towards creating a future where positivity, love, care, and understanding overcome the stigma and silence.”

Giant Steps participants can walk 7, 13 or 20 miles along the Causeway Coastline on Saturday, 27 April 2024. Participants are asked to pledge to raise a minimum of £50, with funds raised supporting those affected by depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder in Northern Ireland through AWARE NI's services, including its network of mental health Support Groups located across the country.

These groups are open to anyone affected by poor mental health, depression and bipolar disorder and provide a safe space where attendees can support each other and learn more about the illness and the treatments available. Groups enable people to share experiences and discuss self-help strategies and coping skills that will help in the recovery process. While the groups are free to attend, each group costs AWARE NI approximately £135 a week to deliver, which is why fundraising from events like Giant Steps is so crucial.

For more information and to register for AWARE NI's Giant Steps, visit aware-ni.org/giant.

“Do it!” urges Lorraine. “Getting together can really have a massive impact not only on our own lives but those around us.”

Tags: AWARE | Depression | Fundraising | Mental Health | Northern Ireland