Alan's Story

'As someone who experienced serious mental ill-health, I decided to commit to a year-long project to help raise the profile and some much-needed funding for CAUSE although my time may extend into 2020 for CAUSE's 25th Anniversary Year!

I was affected by mental ill health for approximately 6 years and I know the significant impact my illness had on my family.  During this time I was admitted to hospital on 5 occasions and could no longer work, in fact I couldn’t function. Thankfully, as I am now recovering well and so grateful to have good mental health, I am aiming  to raise as much as possible for CAUSE.

Currently there are approximately 17,500 local people in NI caring for a family member or friend with a mental illness. However, due to the stigma associated with mental illness, we believe this is only the tip of the iceberg.

The welfare of those families and friends who are caring for a loved one with mental ill health is often overlooked even though their role is particularly difficult, exhausting and stressful – often for them having to give up employment, friends and social life to provide 27/7 care as well as deal with the associated stigma.  Most of the time, it is the person experiencing mental ill health that gets all of the attention and support. 

For the duration of my illness, I was so fortunate to have the love and support of my family.  Only after my mum’s death did I discover that she had in fact contacted CAUSE and I know they were there for her, even though she was in her eighties.

 To date, it is my experience that many carers of loved ones are unaware that there is help and support available to them.  Over the next 12 months I commit to raising the profile of CAUSE in Northern Ireland to ensure all carers are aware of the fantastic support they provide in the community. There is no other charity like CAUSE in NI and I am delighted to be able to help the charity where I can!'

Alan's successes to date include:

The forthcoming evening with Cavehill Choir on Saturday 22 June 2019

£4500 raised at Antrim Lions' 6 Nations Rugby Luncheon

£500 as a result of a novel Wedding Dress Exhibition at St Mark's of Portadown

An amazing £1000 raised at a fantastic food and wine tasting evening at Colemans Garden Centre, Templepatrick

If you would like to become a CAUSE Corporate or Community Ambassador, please get in touch by calling Anne on 028 90650650 or email: [email protected]