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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Sheena McStravick

Robbie Mateer death stuns West Belfast community

The West Belfast community is in shock following the sudden death of popular young teenager.

Robbie Mateer, died suddenly on Monday at his home in the Lagmore area of the city.

The 19-year-old was well-known across the Belfast community and worked as a Personal Trainer at Excel 121 Training.

The news of his death has sent shockwaves around the local area with local businesses offering their help and support to his family and friends.

Tommy McVeigh, owner of Excel 121 Training said staff and gym members will 'miss him so much'.

He told Belfast Live: "Robbie was a lovely kid. Very well mannered and pleasant and very sociable on the front desk of the gym.

"He did anything that was asked of him without hesitation. The whole team and members at the gym loved him. He trained along with one of our members who's a current Strongman Irish record holder, he was helping him progress.

"Everyone just warmed to him. We all were laughing at his holiday videos while he was away, he was a very funny kid with a good heart. We will miss him so much, members and staff.

"The gym is always open every Sunday for free in aid of mental health. This Sunday CM Sports Therapy will be giving free treatments to help with stress from 2-5pm. These include acupuncture/massage etc."

Ciaran from CM Sports Therapy hopes the treatments will go some way to helping Robbie's friends or anyone who needs it cope with the news.

"Robbie was a real nice kid, always had a smile on his face. The treatment I'm offering is to help people suffering from stress, depression anxiety grief and trauma.

"I reached out and decided to do it free this Sunday and next Saturday in the hope that it will help his mates cope with his loss."

Businesses from across the local community have also been offering their services and donating proceeds to help raise funds to support Robbie's family.

Belfast Boxers Boxing Youth have also urged any local people who need to talk to get in touch.

Tributes to Robbie have also been paid across social media from friends and family, with many remembering him as a 'great kid' and a 'gentleman'.

Robbie is survived by his parents Robert and Colette and siblings Shauna, Kieran and Joseph. His funeral will take place on Friday, August 23 at Christ the Redeemer Church at 10am followed by burial afterwards in Blaris cemetary.

If you or someone you know is in distress or despair, call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. You will receive immediate support on the phone and follow up support if necessary. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access the Lifeline website at  www.lifelinehelpline.info

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