Portadown woman, Linda Abernethy recently completed a sponsored walking challenge from Portadown to her place of work in Gilford and back to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention charity PIPS Hope and Support.

After completing her first 5K, Linda decided she aspired to do her bit for charity during the covid-19 outbreak as many fundraising activities had been cancelled and asked her friends and family to donate to her walk which took place on April 17^th, 2020. 

On Wednesday 22^nd July, Linda presented PIPS Hope and Support with the proceeds totalling a amazing £1,050.00 at Bannvale House Gilford where she works for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

Speaking at the cheque presentation, Linda, thanked all her family and friends for their donations, support and encouragement; "During the recent pandemic, I wanted to help and decided that I would walk from Portadown to my place of work in Gilford and back to raise funds for PIPS Hope and Support as many of their fundraising events have been cancelled for the foreseeable putting strain on their services.  PIPS Hope and Support is a fantastic charity and provides extraordinary support to those with suicidal thoughts and poor mental health.  I was delighted to obtain huge support from my friends and family and I want to thank them all for their kindness and encouragement.

PIPS Hope & Support fundraising coordinator, Padraig Harte thanked Linda for her donation and support for the charity during her initiative.  “PIPS Hope and Support thank Linda for her amazing effort in undertaking this walk to raise the much-required funds and awareness for our charity.  Whilst our fundraising is limited and many events cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19, Linda’s support will allow PIPS Hope and Support to continue providing immediate therapy to anyone within the community experiencing suicidal thoughts, high levels of anxiety, poor mental health or bereaved through suicide.  We also send our thanks to Linda’s family and friends who generously donated to Linda’s fundraiser and encouraged her along the way.  Everyone’s help is greatly appreciated by us all at PIPS Hope and Support.