By Julie McLaughlin
A LOCAL couple are raising money for a charity that helps those affected by depression and bipolar disorder.
Downpatrick residents Erin and Christopher Erwin took to the sea at Benone Strand on the north coast on Saturday with around a hundred other people as part of the Aware NI Sea Splash.
“It was absolutely fantastic! We were blessed with amazing weather,” Erin said.
The goal of the annual Sea Splash event is to raise money and awareness for Aware NI.
The event, which also highlighted World Suicide Prevention Day, raised funds to help Aware NI continue providing free and immediate mental health support to those who need it.
So far Christopher and Erin have raised a little over £400 with their fundraising dip in the sea but are hoping to reach their goal of £500 to support the work of Aware NI.
They have set up a JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/team/theerwins for those who would like to donate.
The Erwins decided to raise money for this charity in memory of a Newcastle man, Ben Campbell.
“Christopher and Ben were best friends from age 6, attending primary school in Newcastle together. They were inseparable,” Erin said.
Ben passed away in 2024.
“He is a dearly loved and missed father, son, family member and best friend,” she said.
The Erwins also wanted to raise money for the charity as they are both personally involved with Aware NI. Erin leads a group in Downpatrick, and she and Christopher attend the Newcastle group together.
“I attended my first Aware NI supporting group coming up one year ago when it was situated at the Ballymote Centre,” Erin said.
