A scenic 50k and 30k cycle will be held in the Comeragh District on Easter Sunday, 20 April, to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide.
This annual cycle has become a red-letter date on the calendar and was started by Cllr. Liam Brazil 11 years ago.
Cllr. Brazil, who is a strong advocate of breaking the stigma of silence and taboo around discussing mental health issues and suicide, is encouraging people to take part, not just to raise money for this good cause, but more importantly, to raise awareness around mental health and suicide.
For those who are not participating in the cycle, Cllr. Brazil encourages them to come out and show their support by cheering on the cyclists as they pass through the various villages along the route. By supporting this cycle event, people can help break the stigma and promote mental well-being in our communities.
Speaking previously, Cllr. Brazil outlined the problem of rural isolation and pointed out that this cycle is in mid-County Waterford to get out into the rural areas and show people they are not alone and it is alright to talk to someone.
Cllr. Brazil has outlined shocking statistics before, stating that there are over 600 recorded cases of suicide in Ireland every year; and for every three recorded deaths by suicide, one goes unreported, which means that more than 750 people are taking their own lives annually. He said currently, there are three people in the country who are contemplating taking their own lives by suicide and by tomorrow, three people dead by suicide.
Cllr. Brazil knows the pain that those 750 families will go through, as he was there – recalling his own family’s experience in the aftermath of his brother, James’ untimely death, over 30 years ago.
“To stand at the graveside and see a loved one being buried because of suicide is the hardest thing of all,” Cllr. Brazil said. “These 750 people are loved ones – brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, or maybe a friend.”
Cllr. Brazil said suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem – problems which can dealt with, as help is out there.
EASTER CYCLE
The Easter Cycle begins at Lemybrien (registration 8.00 a.m.) with a starting time of 9.00 a.m. Entry fee is €25 (donations welcome). The route will go through the scenic Comeragh District and Copper Coast, to include the villages of Durrow, Bonmahon, Kill, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas and back to Lemybrien.
REGISTER
To register for the cycle contact Liam on 087-2119203. More information on Suicide Or Survive’s Facebook page.
