Clare’s Causeway Challengeto raise money for ‘Aware’

With stunning views along the coastline and paths along the famous Giant’s Causeway the walk will be a chance to support a charity and walk in memory of Coleraine mum-of-two Clare Barclay (35) who lost her battle with depression in February.

Starting from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge car park at 11am on Saturday, September 17, participants will walk to the Giant’s Causeway.

The following day the walk recommences from the Causeway School car park - free parking - before heading to Ballyleese Caravan Park, where a raffle and balloon release will be held.

Registration is at 9.30am each day and participants are required to pay a fee of £10 each that will support the charity.

Free refreshments will be available at the finishing location on both days. Participants can also collect sponsorship money, through justgiving.com/aware or by sponsor forms which are available on request from the charity.

Clare’s sister, Stevie O’Neill said: “We want to remember our sister by walking along routes she loved, so we organised this walk. We’re also using it as a chance to fundraise for Aware so people experiencing depression can get the help they need.

“The walk isn’t just for our family and friends, we welcome anyone who wants to join us. You can complete part of the walk if you feel the Challenge is too difficult.

“Aware needs lots of help with fundraising so we’ve decided to do what we can to help them. We have a target amount of £3,000 in mind but need lots more walkers and sponsors to make this a reality.”

Stevie added: “Prior to the walk on Saturday, September 10 we are holding a coffee morning at 11am-1.00pm in Coleraine Christian Centre, 18 Stone Row Coleraine. A representative of Aware Defeat Depression will be on hand to offer help and give some advice.”

Head of Fundraising and PR at Aware added: “This walk is going to be an emotional journey for friends and family of Clare.

“Angie and Stevie have been very brave in talking about their sister and the impact her death has had on them as a family.

“We urge anyone who isn’t feeling themselves and thinks they might be depressed to go to their GP and attend our support groups.”

Clare’s husband, David and their daughters, Molly (6) and Grace (8) will be taking part in the walks.

Aware runs 20 support groups across Northern Ireland, which are free to attend, including a group in Coleraine which meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Lodge Hotel.

For more information on the work Aware does, visit www.aware-ni.org or call the helpline on 08451 20 29 61.