Easter Ross woman inspires Loch Ness Marathon effort to tackle suicide stigma
THE legacy of a big-hearted woman who played a major role in a life-changing Easter Ross charity is being carried forward by her niece for causes close to her heart.
And in tackling her first ever marathon, Anya McDonald is keen to open up conversations on mental health and suicide in memory of her late aunty, Cass.
Sadly, Cass McDonald took her own life three years ago having previously volunteered for some 10 years with the Easter Ross gardening project, Blooming Gardeners.
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It offers adults with learning disabilities a meaningful work-like experience in all aspects of horticulture in a safe and supportive environment.
Anya is also supporting Mikeysline, founded in 2015 after a number of suicides in the Highland area. The charity has expanded its presence across the Highlands with outreach work in several parts of Ross-shire.
Anya, who has already exceeded her £2000 target, said: “I’m from Inverness and started running almost two years ago.
“Last year I took part in the Salomon Skyline, a mountain running race in Kinlochleven. I spent a year training for it but prior to that running hasn’t been my thing, until now.”
Asked what she best remembered about her aunty, she said: “A wicked sense of humour, a contagious smile and a big heart best describes her.
“She was part of the founding group of Blooming Gardeners. She volunteered at the garden for years and Fiona there was a great support to her through some difficult times.
“After she died one of the gardeners built and painted a bench in her memory and they hosted a celebration for her. So beautiful!”
Asked about her wider plans, she said: “I feel that the word suicide has become such a taboo subject and people are scared to talk about it or get awkward if you mention it.
“That’s why, along with Blooming Gardeners, I have chosen to raise money for Mikeysline. I think the work they do is incredible, especially with promoting mental health amongst young men.
“Up until now I have only discussed my aunty’s death with family and immediate friends, with apprehensions on how other people would react.
“Running the marathon and raising money has given me the confidence and focus to share this publicly and would like to reach out to anyone who has lost someone to suicide or struggled with their own mental health.”
Her fundraising page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/marathon-for-mikeysline-and-blooming-gardeners
