A Co Armagh woman who founded an autism charity following the death of her son has been recognised by the National Lottery for her inspirational work.
Portadown's Julia McKeever set up The Autism Hive a year after her 25-year-old son Luke O'Hara took his own life in 2021.
The charity received lotto funding earlier this year to develop a training course for supporting an autistic person in crisis.
The work saw her win the Community/Charity category in the 2023 National Lottery Awards.
Her award was presented by former Boyzone singer Kieth Duffy, who has been fundraising for autism for over 20 years through his own charity, the Keith Duffy Foundation.
"It is remarkable that she has been able to overcome such adversity and channel her grief into a fantastic project which provides so much support to those with autism and their families," the ex-Coronation Street star said.
Ms McKeever said: “I am thrilled to have won this award not just for me and the team at The Autism Hive but for the legacy of my son Luke and other families who have had to go through the loss of a loved one."
