A Co Fermanagh family is raising funds for local mental health organisations following the sudden death of an aunt and her 16-year-old niece last year.
Nicola McGovern, 32, from Lisnaskea died in May 2020, and little over a year later her teenage niece Katie-May McDermott sadly also lost her life in July 2021.
Coming up to the one year anniversary of her daughter Katie-May’s passing, her mother and Nicola's sister Brenda said a number of volunteers will take part in a skydive on her birthday in an effort raise awareness for suicide prevention charities.
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Katie-May was a popular member of local GAA club Lisnaskea Emmetts, and her mother said her and aunt Nicola were incredibly close.
“My heart was just broken when Nicola died, and I thought I’d never be hit like that again.
“Then when Katie-May died on 10 July it just broke my heart, completely crushed it.
“We’re just trying to raise awareness for young people, and if we can help one person out it will be worthwhile.
“I read a quote that said ‘I’d rather listen to your story than go to your funeral’ and I thought that was so true - if we can help anyone to do that.
“Nicola had the most bubbly personality - she was my baby sister and my only sister.
“She was a mum of two children and she idolised the ground they walked on.
“They were so close the two of them. There was a 10 year age gap between me and Nicola and she was the cool aunt that went to the concerts and brought them to that kind of thing.”
More than £2,000 has been raised in the fundraiser so far, with the proceeds being directed towards Co Fermanagh counselling organisation the Aisling Centre, and Lisnaskea Emmetts.
Brenda added: “Katie-May’s first anniversary is coming up on 10 July, but it’s her birthday now on June 18.
“Her father and three friends are doing a parachute jump and we’re trying to raise whatever we can between the two charities.
“She just loved her football and the Emmetts were very good to her over the years and we thought we would like to give something back.
“The money will be going to them and the local Aisling Centre which deals with suicide and bereavement.
“I couldn’t believe how much we had raised overnight, everyone has just been so good.”
Brenda added that the aftermath of her sister and daughter’s deaths were something that she wouldn’t wish on any family.
“The aftermath is horrendous, the pain and suffering. If we can get that across to any one young person then that is our aim.”
If you would like to donate to the family's fundraiser you can visit their GoFundMe page here.
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