For William Coalter life is difficult at the moment. In January of this year he lost his daughter, Lorna, who died four days after attempting to take her own life. Last week Mr. Coalter, along with family and friends completed a walk in Slieve Donard to raise funds for the Ernevale Beacon Centre in Enniskillen. The centre provides support services for people experiencing mental illness and was a favourite place of Lorna’s, who was 32 when she died. 
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter this week Mr. Coalter has opened up about the impact that his daughter’s death has had on his life.
“I have to be honest I am struggling a lot with wee Lorna’s death. I never thought I would see the day that I would need to be on anti-depressants but I am now, and I am not ashamed to say it. I was a happy go lucky person, but one thing can change your life and that is what has happened to me. It is so important to say if you are struggling, nobody should be ashamed of it and you need to ask for help,” he explained before going on to speak about how his faith is also helping him through this dark period in his life.
“My faith is strong in the Lord. It is a difficult time for everyone but I know that Lorna would want her friends and family to give their life to the Lord. She had a very strong faith and I know that she is in a good place now.”
With friends and family by his side Mr. Coalter made the long walk up Slieve Donard. Decorating stones in the memory of Lorna and releasing balloons with scripture and messages, they paused at the top to pray and take time to remember Lorna. 
One of the balloons read: “Eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for those who love him”. 
“It was a very tough walk, none of us are walkers but we made it anyway. I am so thankful for my family and friends who came with me on the walk. I wasn’t expecting that and I am so thankful for the support that they have shown me,” Mr. Coalter explained. 
"I know that Lorna would want her friends and family to give their life to the Lord."Mr. Coalter is still collecting money in aid of the Beacon centre. At the time of going to press over £3,000 had been raised in Lorna’s memory.
“Not a lot of people knew that I was doing the walk so if anyone wants to give some money it is for a great cause. The Beacon Centre are fantastic and Lorna thought so much of the place. She used to upcycle furniture there and it is just a fantastic place that does so much good.”
Lorna died in January of this year, with her family gathered around her bedside in the South West Acute Hospital. Through tears they sang ‘Amazing Grace’, one of her favourite hymns as she passed away. 

For more information on the Ernevale Beacon Centre visit www.mindingyourhead.info/service/ernevale-beacon-centre and if you need to talk to someone phone Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 visit www.lifelinehelpline.info, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.