A group of North Belfast pals are to run the city marathon this year in memory of their much-missed friend who took his own life last year. Stephen, Dee and Ciaran Burns, Aisling Martin and Gary Patterson have formed a team to run the marathon in memory of their friend, local DJ Michael ‘Micky’ McCartan, who died last August.

The Cliftonville father of two was a well-known and popular DJ whose death stunned the local community.

Stephen Burns said they want to take part in the marathon to raise awareness of suicide and to remember their fun loving friend.

“Mick was the life and soul of the party - he was always up for a laugh so unfortunately no one knew he was feeling down,” he said. “If through raising awareness and money for PIPS we can prevent another family from going through the heartbreak of losing a loved one it will be worth it. Mick may be gone, but he’s definitely not forgotten. We’ll keep his memory alive at the same time as trying to do good for others.”

As well as remembering their friend, the group is raising money for North Belfast-based suicide awareness and prevention charity PIPS. For further information on PIPS visit: www.pipsprogrammes.com. To donate money to the team visit - www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Marathon4MickyMac  or from the link on Michael Mickey Mac McCartan's facebook page