Commonwealth medallist backs Causeway Coast mental health walk
Paratriathlete and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Chloe MacCombe is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to take part in this year’s Giant Steps event, as she prepares to take on the 7-mile walk in support of local depression charity, AWARE NI.
Chloe, who won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the women’s paratriathlon alongside sighted guide Catherine Sands (McKenna), is supporting the event as a way of giving back to a charity she says has helped her personally. Now in its 30th year, AWARE NI provides free mental health support services across Northern Ireland, offering immediate help to those who need it most.
Diagnosed at birth with albinism, Chloe has a visual impairment which means her vision is significantly reduced. Despite this, she has built a successful career in elite sport and is now using her platform to encourage open conversations around mental health.
Speaking about her decision to support Giant Steps, Chloe said:
“AWARE NI is a charity that has helped me so much in recent times and I want to be able to give back in some way.
As an elite triathlete, physical activity is a big part of my life, so it’s good to slow things down and not have to swim, bike and run - but instead take time to enjoy the outdoors at a more relaxed pace while socialising with other people.”
Chloe also spoke about the importance of protecting her own mental health alongside the demands of elite sport:
“As an elite athlete, mental health is just as important as physical health - as it is for everyone else. Elite sport is often more of a mental challenge than a physical one, with all the stresses and challenges we face.
I make sure I have time to relax without my phone, and to spend time with people outside of triathlon so I can just be ‘Chloe’ - not ‘Chloe the triathlete’. Talking about how I’m feeling is something I’m still learning to do, but it’s really important.”
Encouraging others who may be struggling, she added:
“Tell someone - anyone. It might feel terrifying, but once you say the words ‘I’m not okay’, it can break the cycle and help you start to feel better. You are worthy of help.”
Giant Steps, organised by AWARE NI, will take place on 6 June along the Causeway Coast, with participants able to choose between 7, 13 or 20-mile routes depending on their ability and preference.
Chloe is encouraging people of all fitness levels to get involved:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to get out and be active, but also to be around others for support and encouragement. It’s not just good for physical health, but mental health too.
Give it a go at your own pace - grab some friends and just start with a single step.”
She added that seeing people come together for the event would send a powerful message:
“It would be incredible to see as many people as possible getting involved - not only to support an amazing charity, but to show people who may be struggling that they are not alone. They are supported and cared for.”
Lesley Wright, Community and Events Officer at AWARE NI, said:
“We’re delighted to have Chloe supporting Giant Steps this year. Her openness in sharing her own experiences is incredibly powerful and helps break down barriers around talking about mental health.
Events like Giant Steps play a vital role in ensuring our services remain free and accessible to anyone who needs them. At a time when many people are facing long waiting lists for statutory support, our services provide immediate help in safe, welcoming spaces across Northern Ireland.
These groups are often described as a lifeline by those who attend, and they rely on public fundraising to remain open.”
AWARE NI delivers free support services for people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder through a network of in-person and online support groups, alongside education programmes.
Giant Steps will take place on 6 June along the Causeway Coast. Participants can sign up individually or with friends, family or colleagues.
To find out more or register, visit: www.aware-ni.org/giant