The family and friends of two popular Lisnaskea women are to take part in a charity sky dive in memory of their loved ones.

The family of the late Katie-May McDermott (16) and Nicola McGovern (32), who both died suddenly more than a year apart, are coming together to mark what would have been Katie-May’s 17th birthday on June 18 with a charity skydive.

Nicola died suddenly in May 1, 2020, and just over a year later, her precious niece, Katie-May, died suddenly on July 10.

Katie-May’s father, Gabie McDermott, will be joined for the jump by family friend Tomo Mulligan and Katie May’s friends, Erin Wray and Caitlin Bannon. Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about the two late women, Katie-May’s mother, Brenda, said: “The two of them were very close.

‘Heartbroken’

“Nicola was the apple of my eye – the wee sister. I was heartbroken; I never thought I’d be hit like that again – my heart was just broken when Nicola died but when Katie-May died, it was completely crushed. I would never wish any family to go through that.”

Brenda explained that the two organisations that will benefit from the skydive will be the Aisling Centre in Enniskillen, and Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC.

“Katie-May was involved with the Lisnaskea Emmetts – she was a brilliant footballer, and the Emmetts were extremely good to her over her years.

“She was Footballer of The Year three years running [in the club].

“The Emmetts had organised a counsellor [from the Aisling Centre] out speaking to the whole footballers out there.

“We felt that because the Emmetts were so good to her, and brought her talent out in her, the money will be going to them and the Aisling Centre, which deals with suicide and bereavement.”

Brenda added: “I couldn’t thank the Aisling Centre enough – they’ve been a big support. I personally couldn’t thank them enough.”

On the importance of raising awareness around mental health, Brenda reflected, and said: “I read a quote on Facebook one day that said, ‘I would rather listen to your story than go to your funeral’, and if we can get that message out and help one person [we want to help if we can].”

Speaking about the decision to fundraise, Brenda said: “We thought we would do something to raise awareness, coming to the first anniversary. We thought of the sky dive and the four offered to do it and we booked it through Wild Geese. Nicola and Katie-May will be laughing their heads off [at the event].”

As part of fundraising efforts, a bag pack has been organised in Asda Enniskillen on April 16, and on July 7 there will be a fundraiser following Katie-May’s anniversary mass with a fundraising draw in Mac’s Bar, Lisnaskea.

Jerseys have also been designed in Katie-May’s memory by Megan McElory and Caitlin Bannon, which will have a portion of the cost donated to the fundraising efforts.

Contributed

Thanking all of those who have contributed so far to the efforts, which have now raised more than £5,000, Brenda said:“ All of them have done their bit, there are sponsorship sheets going around, and the GoFundMe page has really taken off, and we never expected it to take off like that, and the jump’s not until June 18.”

If you wish to obtain a sponsorship sheet, you can contact any of the participants, or if you wish to donate online you can do so by visiting https://tinyurl.com/54yk3c2b.