Family of Lisa McAlister thank community for support ahead of fundraiser in her memory

Lisa, who was 30, sadly lost her life to suicide in July last year.

The mum of two had planned to raise money for mental health charities with her own fundraising challenge before lockdown began.

Family and friends will be taking on the combined walk, run, or cycle on May 29, covering the 10 miles between Carnlough and Cushendall.

The 'Race for Lisa' will take place the day after what would have been her 31st birthday, said her mum, Anne Marie

"[The fundraising] was something that Lisa had wanted to do herself, so we are going to complete it for her," added Anne Marie, who is from Larne.

"The response has been beyond what we expected. People who didn't even know Lisa want to support it; there are some who have got in touch from as far away as Limerick.

"Lisa was our only girl; she was loud, bouncy, a real character - but [mental ill health] was something she suffered with.

"We just hope that we can raise enough money to try and make sure no other family has to go through what we have gone through."

Over £16,000 has already been raised through a combination of online donations and sponsorship.

The final total will go on to support organisations within the Glens mental health network, such as ELM NI (PIPS Larne).

A statement on the family's JustGiving page reads: "We hope to make the mental health support networks more accessible to the people of the Glens. We hope to enhance people’s understanding of mental health. We hope to strengthen those charities and organisations who have supported our family so much in our hour of need."

To donate towards the fundraiser, visit JustGiving.