Co. Derry woman's charity act to raise mental health awareness

Dympna and Jerry Canning with their daughter, Angela after she had her head shaved for charity.

Angela Canning Kane, who is originally from Foreglen, lives in Limavady.

The 44-year-old has shared her past struggle with depression with the ‘Journal’ in a bid to raise awareness about mental health.

The Tesco, Limavady, worker created the Facebook page - Suicide Awareness - to help others. She also wanted to raise some money for the crisis helpline, Lifeline.

“I shaved my head to raise the awareness around suicide and mental health,” Angela told the ‘Journal’. “I wanted to do this as, over the years, I lost a few family members to suicide and there have been deaths locally recently of young men, and I wanted to get people talking about it because there is such a stigma attached to this issue.”

Angela has previously spoken openly about the fantastic support network that helped her cope with her depression when she was in her early twenties. She hopes the money she has raised, £2,800 so far and with donations still pouring in, will make a difference.

“I would like to thank a lot of people, and say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the customers of Tesco, Limavady, that made donations,” said Angela.

Angela had her head shaved at The Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly. at the weekend. #

“I want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all my family and friends and to everyone who took time out to support the night and the cause of suicide awareness and mental health.

“The page suicide awareness has had a great response too, and it only goes to prove that there is a great demand for somewhere in this area for anyone affected by mental health or feeling suicidal.”

Angela’s Facebook page is called Suicide Awareness.

The Lifeline number is 0808 808 8000.