People taking part in a cycle later this month to raise awareness about suicide are seeking free accommodation in Galway. Members of the public are urged to open their homes to the cyclists, volunteers, marshalls/stewards etc.The Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative started by Galway city entrepreneur and international businessman Jim Breen as a result of his appearance on RTE’s The Secret Millionaire programme.
Mr Breen, an industrial engineer who is originally from Rahoon Road, set up the project to raising awareness about the extensive help and supports available for people coping with depression, at risk of suicide or those coping with the loss of loved ones due to suicide.
Some 2,000 people are expected to take part in the cycle. The 1400km 14-day event will begin in Dublin on Monday. The cycle will cover 100km and cyclists can participate in as many legs of it as they wish.
Informative events will be held at 28 schools, colleges and universities along the journey. The half-way point will be marked with a major event in Galway starting with a rousing Galway welcome in NUI Galway on Saturday April 27.
The organisers say a “huge” number of people have already offered to provide free overnight accommodation in their homes along the way.
“The people of Galway have not been found wanting in this regard and have already been very generous with offers of accommodation,” says Cathleen Hartnett, volunteer regional homestay co-ordinator with the event. However, more hosts are needed as the number of cyclists grows.
“We are delighted with the response so far. We are deeply grateful to our Homestay volunteers for their incredible generosity. The cyclists involved are coming from all over Ireland and have been training for months so this is a great way to make sure everyone gets to participate helping to break the cycle of suicide in Ireland.
People interested in providing free accommodation or being involved in any other way should emailing [email protected] or contact Katheleen at (087 ) 2929793.
For further information on Cycle Against Suicide visit www.cycleag ainstsuicide.com For further news, follow @CASuicide on twitter or visit Facebook.
