By Sarah Curran
A PORTAFERRY mother says she is determined to continue fundraising for mental health in her daughter’s memory.
Sunday marked the fifth annual ‘Abi’s Butterfly Breeze’ fundraising event, held in memory of St Columba’s College pupil, Abi Rogers.
At just 15 years-old, Abi Rodgers lost her battle with mental health back in September 2018, leaving her family and the Portaferry community in complete devastation.
On the year of her first anniversary, Abi’s mother, Cathy Gilmore-Brodie set up a fundraiser dubbed ‘Abi’s Butterfly Breeze’, which has since turned into a positive annual event.
The fundraiser, which pays tribute to Abi’s love of butterflies, not only marks the young girls anniversary, but also helps raise vital funds for Bright Future- a new counselling service for young people set up in memory of Abi, in association with mental health charity Inspire.
Over the year, Abi’s family complete a number of challenges and fundraisers in the lead up to their main fundraising event, which includes a 5k walk, 10k run and a family fun day.
Speaking about the fundraiser on Sunday, Cathy said the event had been a ‘huge success’, with great weather and support from the local community, raising over £2,200.
“Everyone enjoyed the day. They have all been ranting and raving about it ever since,” she said.
With plans of continuing the event next year, Cathy said: “I plan to keep this going for as long as I am keeping going. This keeps us going.”
Celebrating Abi’s life at an anniversary mass this week, Cathy noted how feelings could be raw and filled with anxiety.
Cathy continued: “But the family just comes together and we all support each other and do our wee bits. We go out to the grave and celebrate her and we do as much as we can.
“The Butterfly Breeze just keeps me going.”
The Butterfly Breeze events will conclude with the annual pub quiz at The Lep Bar, costing £3 per head, on September 20. Light refreshments will be served and the raffle results will be announced.
While Cathy and her family will continue fundraising until the end of the year, she paid tribute to all those who took part on Wednesday.
She said: “Thanks to all the running clubs that signed up, the local community and people from afar. We welcomed new faces and familiar faces this year. It was such a great turnout to see and wonderful to see everyone smiling and enjoying the day and running about with the butterflies.
“I’d also like to thank the sponsors and Portaferry GAC for hosting us every year, as well as all the marshals and helpers throughout the day and in the lead up.”
