WM Cycling Events, Inc

ITS OK NOT TO FEEL OK; AND ITS ABSOLUTELY OK TO ASK FOR HELP

‍♂ Cycling the Length of Portugal for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention

This May, I’m embarking on a journey that will raise awareness for a cause that is deeply personal to me—Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Over six intense days, I’ll be cycling the entire length of Portugal, from the northernmost point all the way to the south - covering about 500 miles over mountainous terrain. This challenge is not just about endurance; it’s about starting conversations, breaking stigmas, and ensuring that no one struggling with their mental health feels alone.

I, like so many others, have seen firsthand the devastating impact of suicide. I’ve witnessed friends battle in silence, too afraid or ashamed to seek help. I’ve seen how mental health struggles can affect even the strongest among us, and I refuse to stand by without taking action.

That’s why I’m supporting *Cycle Against Suicide*, an incredible organization dedicated to mental health education and suicide prevention. They work tirelessly to provide hope, resources, and support to those who need it most.

How You Can Help:

Donate here:– Every dollar, every share, every word of encouragement makes a difference.

Share this post – Help spread awareness and encourage conversations about mental health.

Check in on someone today – A simple message can mean the world to someone who is struggling.

This fundraising is via our partner 501c3 here in the USA so it qualifies for tax deduction where appropriate.

Thank you for your support. Let’s ride together toward a world where mental health is prioritised and stigma is a thing of the past.

ITS OK NOT TO FEEL OK; AND ITS ABSOLUTELY OK TO ASK FOR HELP

Suicide is an incredibly complex issue. However, it can sometimes be preventable with timely evidence-based interventions.

In September 2025 Kim Shattuck, Jitka Borowick, Bill Sykes, Alan McCormack, Paul McCormack and Aaron McCormack will Cycle Against Suicide from the southern tip of Ireland (Mizen Head) to the very northern tip (Malin Head) via the challenging roads of the Wild Atlantic Way that traces the western coastline of Ireland.

It's 500 miles and over 20,000 feet of climbing along the way and the team from the USA will work with Irish team mates to help everyone make the journey together.

We will raise money to support the prevention of suicide and the promotion of mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. Each of us has our own reasons for riding in support of this cause - we ride for sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, cousins, aunts and uncles and friends and neighbors.

For Bailey Putnam, for Edward Beattie, for Ruth Beattie, for Oliver Breslin, for Glen Washington, for Alex Petro and for everyone who has been touched by suicide, depression and mental illness.

A core area of the work of Cycle Against Suicide are evidence-based school programs. This work creates a caring, respectful and safe learning environment that supports student mental health in nearly 600 schools. You can read more about our registered charity at:

Cycle Against Suicide

The Cycle Against Suicide Pilgrim Tour is a fundraiser for Cycle Against Suicide as well as local nonprofits that help individuals and families in Plymouth County, Cape Cod and the Islands.

Cycle Against Suicide is charity that makes a valuable contribution to the public education of mental health by changing the narrative surrounding suicide. When an individual is vulnerable enough to consider taking their own life, silence is read as indifference. We all have a role to play to collectively address the challenges that suicide presents. In a bid to save more lives, Cycle Against Suicide through its programmes, sets out to change culture and create a society that openly talks about suicide to allow people to speak up and seek help.

I’m taking on the Cycle Against Suicide – Cycle of Hope, riding the length of Ireland from Mizen Head to Malin Head to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health support. This is more than just a cycling challenge — it’s a powerful movement to show that it's okay not to feel okay, and it's absolutely okay to ask for help.

Every kilometer I ride represents those who are struggling, those we’ve lost, and those finding the courage to reach out. Your support can make a real difference. Funds raised will go toward education, advocacy, and community programs to reduce suicide and promote mental health across Ireland.

Please consider donating or sharing. Together, we can break the cycle of silence and build a community of hope.