A heartbroken family has launched an emotional appeal to highlight the struggles with mental health.

Louise and Claire Hennelly lost their sister Catherine, 42, to suicide in December, after a long battle with depression.

And now the family are wanting to raise awareness and funds for mental health charity MIND, to help others who are struggling, starting with a fundraiser at the Fletcher Christian Inn, Cockermouth on Saturday.

Catherine, who grew up in Cockermouth and went to St Joseph’s RC High School in Workington, was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, which meant she suffered from very low moods frequently.

After going to Edge Hill University, she worked in both London and Manchester, also raising her son Dillon, eight.

And after her death, her sisters Claire and Louise Hennelly and nieces Leanne and Vicki decided to create a lasting legacy in her memory, by trying to highlight the issue.

“She was a politics lecturer but for the last 18 months she hadn’t been able to work due to her illness but she had a new job to go to at Manchester Uni, which she didn’t get to,” said Claire.

“She was just a beautiful woman, very enthusiastic and very friendly and so open about her illness and her battle.

“She tried very hard to get better but ultimately it was too hard for her.

“We had a big funeral and Xaverian College, where she worked, sent busloads of people up and there were people from Chorlton Running Club.

“She really was held in a high regard everywhere by so many people and only since this happened did we really understand how loved she was by everyone that knew her.

“The family want to leave a lasting legacy in her memory by raising funds and awareness for mental health charity MIND.”

Claire admitted there is still a stigma with mental health, one which she is keen to see banished.

She added: “It is such a big issue. If you have a physical illness people can see it and are more sympathetic. But when you can’t see something there is a stigma.

“People think that if you look okay then you must be alright. But you never know what is going on in someone’s mind.

“We just want to raise awareness and if someone is going through a hard time to tell people just to be there for them. You can’t always fix it but you can be there.”

The fundraiser at the Fletcher Christian starts at 2pm and everyone of all ages are welcome. There will be games, a raffle and an auction. Or if you would like to donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/claire-hennelly1