The brother of a popular Belfast man who died by suicide has vowed to keep his memory alive and to give back to organisations who helped their family after their loss.
Colm Cullen lost his brother Michael, otherwise known as Cull, to suicide in January 2018. A three-week search operation ended in tragedy, when the body of the 33-year-old was found at Cavehill, not far from his home.
Michael's death left a wave of devastation across Belfast and beyond, but now, his family are doing all they can to give back to TAMHI, a mental health organisation and to the Community Rescue Service.
Read more: TAMHI celebrate 10 years of shaping, changing and saving lives
Speaking to Belfast Live, Colm said his brother was "one of the best and funniest people I've ever met".
The 25-year-old said: "Michael loved to beat box and was always very uplifting. He also loved going to the gym.
"When Michael was missing, the searches went on for three weeks and people from all across the community came out to help us. We are still in contact with some of those people today.
"Since his death, our family has become more tight knit. We are keeping busy and in 2019, we set up the 33 Til Infinity group. We wanted to raise £33,000. One thousand pounds for every year that Michael was alive."
On Sunday, August 28, the Michael Cullen 33 Till Infinity Cup will take place at Cliftonville Football Club's grounds, Solitude. The evening will consist of a 5-a-side football tournament in a mini World Cup style. All proceeds will be donated to TAMHI.
"I wanted to support TAMHI because of the support they have given me," Colm added.
"They are always there for you, no matter what, and were able to help with with counselling. And to other people who have supported our family, we couldn't thank them enough for the help the have given us.
"The football tournament will be a great night. We'd encourage anyone to come along, enjoy the craic, enter a team, spectate or if you just need time away from the rigours of life come along and relax."
To support the campaign go to their fundraising page here.
For anyone in distress or despair, contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or visit www.lifelinehelpline.info
READ NEXT:
Belfast women set sights on £20K fundraiser for mental health hub
West Wellbeing looks to the future as they try to meet demand
North Belfast charity urging football clubs to 'have each other's backs'
Mother's heartache after losing son to suicide days before his 19th birthday
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
