Friends launch Youthline fundraiser

Photo / file

Two friends are hoping to raise $5000 for Youthline by running in Auckland's Half Marathon after being touched by the death of a friend they believed could have benefited from the charity.

Rachel Flood said her friend Danielle Martin died suddenly on April 28 aged just 23.

Danielle never used the Youthline service and Ms Martin said promoting the helpline could help others in a similar situation.

"At the funeral her parents said 'Don't bring flowers: put all your money into Youthline," Ms Flood said. "We want it go viral."

"Dani worked for Rodney Wayne. Everyone loved her. She was very bubbly....there were no cries for help we heard of."

Ms Flood is planning on running the 21 kilometre half marathon with friend Demelza Harvey on November 2 in memory of Dani.

Their Raise4Dani campaign has already raised more than $500 toward their $5000 goal. Danielle's mother Sue made the first donation.

"Having people raise money for Youthline is raising awareness and that is amazing," Ms Flood said. "There is always light at the end of the tunnel."

Ms Flood is also hoping to raise additional funds by selling advertising space on the t-shirt she'll be running in.

Dani's friends were also putting on concerts on October 4 in Wellington and Auckland featuring metal bands Dead Dreamers and Til Death Do Us Party.

Friends Demelza Harvey and Rachel Flood. Photo / Facebook

"Dani was into everything but all of our friends are in metal bands. She'd spend every weekend at Ding Dong Lounge."

Raise4Dani can be donated to here: http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/raise4dani/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1518662051688167

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Where to get help:

-Youth services: (06) 355 5906

-Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234.

-Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)

-Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (noon to midnight)

-Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (24-hour service)

-Rainbow Youth: (09) 376-4155

-www.thelowdown.co.nz

-www.depression.org.nz