WAY TO WALK: Aoife Murray plans to walk 150kms in aid of Pieta House Kerry. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

It's a big challenge but it's one a local woman wants to take on and she hopes her 150 kilometre project this March inspires others. Aoife Murray (22) from Ash Close, Ballydribeen plans to walk 150kms - or approximately 100 miles - during the month of March in aid of Pieta House Kerry.

Aoife, who says she was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) a number of years ago, is doing her fundraising online and hopes her good deed will benefit others.

"It's something I wanted to do for a long time," Aoife told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

Since the age of 13 or 14 Aoife began suffering from mental health issues, self harmed and said she had suicidal thoughts at times.

She explained that as a teenager she was placed in children's wards in Kerry and then in Cork which were totally unsuitable fas she was waiting to be diagnosed.

"I only got diagnosed two years ago. It was a relief and now I know what triggers it."

Services provided by Pieta are vital, she added.

Pieta have also helped a lot of my friends and I just want to give something back. Now I'm doing well and I wanted to do something to make a difference."
Now she's hoping people will be generous with their donations to help boost the local service which helps so many in the county.

"The price of a cup of coffee could save someone's life. I want people to know if they are in a dark place that it does get better - just talk to someone you won't be judged."

To donate to Aoife's fundraiser go to Facebook: 'I am walking 150 km to stop suicide'.