As someone whose life was personally touched by suicide back in 2011, I'm hoping to raise funds by running a half marathon for the PIPS charity so that they can continue the important work they do in helping people affected by suicide or those considering suicide. In Northern Ireland we proportionately have the highest rate of suicide in the UK but have 25% less funding for mental health services to help combat the problem. In Northern Ireland a total of 221 men and 76 women committed suicide in 2016 - the youngest was a male aged under 15.

More people have taken their own lives in Northern Ireland since the Good Friday agreement than were killed in total during the Troubles between 1969 and 1997. Official statistics on mental health indicate that since the peace deal about 4,500 suicides were registered here compared to an estimated 3,600 people who died in shootings, bombings and other killings during the Troubles. One suicide is too many. 4,500 suicides is a nation crying for help. And that's where you come in. Whatever you give will help PIPS, a leading mental health charity working on the front line in caring for suicide survivors and those at risk of suicide, to continue their vital work. Without mental health services and charity's like PIPS, the numbers will just continue to rise. Help us call a halt to the misery. Help us help those who really need it. Today.