Cycle Against Suicide 2014 visits Tralee Co.Kerry.

If you have been driving the Irish roads over the last few days you may have seen a large group of cyclists in distinctive orange clothing. Thats the Cycle Against Suicide 2014 which started on Monday April 28th and finishes on Sunday 11th May. The route which takes the riders around the country started in Dublin and will finish there having passed through many villages,towns and cities along the way.

Cycle Against Suicide is the brainchild of Jim Breen a Kerry businessman. The idea is to raise awareness of the help that is available to those who are at risk of suicide and depression. Its about supporting people with mental health issues and the message is it is ok not to be ok. The cycle is not about raising funds but raising awareness of mental health in our communities.

Cycle Against Suicide Day 5

Day 5 of the Cycle Against Suicide 2014 was designated the Donal Walsh Stage and the riders stopped in CBS The Green for refreshments before heading to Listowel and Newcastlewest. It was fitting tribute to Donal and a chance for his school friends and family to pay tribute to him.  His message to others about enjoying life to the full while he himself dealt with a terminal illness was and continues to be an inspiration. Donals family and friends set up the LivelifeFoundation in his honour  in order to spread his antisuicide message and to provide facilities for teenagers with mental health issues. Have a look at their work at donalwalshlivelife.org .When the call went out to the people of Tralee for supplies to feed a lot of cyclists the response in typical Kerry style was overwhelming generosity. The hallways of the school was a sea of sandwiches, homemade cakes, teas and coffees.Every ounce of flour in Tralee was on the table in some shape or form.

It was a chance for tired legs to recharge. It was also an opportunity for the team of marshalls, paramedics, mechanics and the support team to plan for the next leg on to Newcastlewest. All the support team are volunteers and very generously give their time .

The Cycle Against Suicide has a Homestay Programme where people can offer a bed and a meal for a night to those participating in the cycle. If you can help or know anyone who might be able to offer get in touch at www.cycleagainstsuicide.com. The cycle will be stopping for the night at Ennis, Tuam, Enniscrone, Donegal, Derry, Maghera, Portadown and  finally Dundalk on the 11th May.

For pictures of the stop in Tralee have a look at the youtube video above. Share this post out using the social icons at the top of the page. Thanks.