So proud of Alex

A YOUNG Northsider who’s helping dispel the stigma around suicide and spread a message of positive mental health was honoured last week with a Pride of Ireland award.

Plucky Alex Featherston lost her dad, Andy Morgan, to suicide four years ago but last August she made an inspiring YouTube video aimed at parents to show them it’s OK to speak about suicide and to tell the truth to kids when loved ones take their own life.

The video, produced by Finglas videographer, Jamie Jay Car, went viral and Alex received well-deserved praise for her bravery. And last week she was presented with a

‘Child of Courage’ accolade by boyband Hometown at the Irish Mirror Pride of Ireland Awards during a glittering ceremony in the Mansion House.

The humble 11-year-old told Spin 1038 how she felt when superstar Olly Murs broke the news to her that she’d won.

“It was like a dream because I tried to open my mouth to scream but no sound came out,

? she said.

Alex, who looked stunning at the awards ceremony in a red dress and floral headband, described the night as

“amazing

?.

“It was great because not only did I get to meet famous people but it was also great listening to other people’s stories and hearing what they were going through and to see them win something because they did something so brave.

?

Alex’s mum, Joanne, said she was

“so proud

? of her brave daughter and explained how she found out about the award.

“I got the call a few weeks ago,

? she said.

“A friend of mine, Angie McEvoy, had nominated Alex but she never told anybody.

“It was a lovely surprise. I got another call about three weeks ago to tell us that Alex had won but we had to keep it from her.

?

Alex lost her dad when she was just six but for the past two years she’s been volunteering with the foundation set up in her father’s name to help families cope with loss and spread a message of hope.

It was her own idea to make the YouTube video and the Pride of Ireland judges were blown away by her courage.

“Alex has reached out to others and hers is a story of hope against all odds,

? they said.

“This courageous young girl deserves to be awarded for breaking the stigma and encouraging other families to be more open about suicide.

?