Climb in memory of Shania raises £8,000 for charity

A KILLYCLOGHER woman who lost her sister in tragic circumstances earlier this year has raised more than £8,000 for a children’s mental health charity.

Shania’s Walk, which took place last Sunday (9) at the Cuilcagh boardwalk in Co Fermanagh, was organised by Danielle McAshee, whose 11-year-old sister Shania died in January.

The event marked what would have been the young girl’s 12th birthday.

The total of £8,685 raised will go to Young Minds, a leading charity which supports children and young people with mental health issues.

“The charity is important for young kids to know that they can ring for help if they need it, and that there is someone to talk to instead of thinking they are alone,” Danielle said.

Shania’s older sister added that Shania herself would love to have been involved in the charity event.

“She would have been running up it! She was like the life of the party. She was like a child sometimes, but then she loved being around the adults, too. She just loved being with people, and she would make herself
known to everyone.

“We went to her grave and the kids sang ‘Happy Birthday’, and then we let off 12 balloons because it would have been her 12th birthday.

“The kids still talk about Shania and her birthday, so I wanted to make it a memorable celebration.

“I want it to be a happy occasion for the kids, instead of moping and walking around the house.”

Danielle added that recent months have been difficult for her family but they are getting by with help from friends, family and the local community around them.

“We have no choice but to get on with our lives. When you’ve got three kids you have to just keep going – and don’t get me wrong, when the house is quiet that’s when it would get me the most.

“We were definitely sisters, we could have rows and rows but then we had loads of happy times.

“Even though I’m a lot older than her, I treated her like one of my own.
“You just have to keep going though. But my friends, family and my neighbours help me out a lot; they keep me busy and stop me from over-thinking things too much.

“There’s nothing we can do but look forward and think of all the good memories we have,” she said.