Tragic Leah’s pal urges action on mental health

THE best friend of a woman who died suddenly when on holiday has urged that more be done to tackle mental health.

Leah Weir, from the Shankill Road in West Belfast, passed away aged just 28 while in France this month.

Still struggling to come to terms with their loss, her friends and family are desperate that a similar tragedy isn’t repeated.

Speaking to the Mirror, her best friend Carly Bell Hoey said the grief has been “incomprehensible” and urged others to seek help if they need it.

She also called on politicians to act, adding: “Our government hasn’t sat in a year – the MLAS refusal to work together means those in desperate need are missing out on vital support.”

The 28-year-old, from Ballysillan in North Belfast, said: “I’ve sat many times and attempted to put into words the beautiful things I would say about Leah when asked – it isn’t possible. It’s a cliche, but words truly aren’t enough.

“You needed to know her, to experience her friendship, her love and her loyalty. At the risk of employing every cliche in the book she was one of a kind.

“Her strength knew no bounds when it came to mental health. She was a beacon of support for those who suffered, always there to talk it through or offer advice where it was needed, to anyone who needed it.

“She was the extremely beautiful and very comfortable in her own skin – she liked to show her personality through her sense of style. The world has no idea what it has lost.”

A sponsored walk/rally from Woodvale Park to Stormont to raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and send a message to politicians over mental health is on Sunday, July 29, at £10 per person.

BEST FRIEND YESTERDAY