Bike challenge to help raise mental health awareness

A FORMER teacher who had not ridden a bike for 17 years because of health problems is preparing to tackle a 4,000 mile cycle challenge around the UK.

Graeme Willgress from Hatherleigh was forced to give up his job because of mental health issues which culminated in a breakdown four years ago.

He suffers from bi-polar disorder but started volunteering with sustainable transport charity Sustrans and soon found himself responsible for the Meeth to Bideford section of the Tarka Trail.

Graeme said: "I had not been well enough to do anything and wanted to give something back.

"Mental health is still an area of great fear and stigma, but it needn't be and exercise has a hugely positive impact."

He hopes his challenge will raise both awareness of the condition and at least £2,500 for Sustrans."

He added: "I have had a series of mental health problems over the course of my adult life and only came to recognise them when I had a breakdown four years ago.

"Being emotionally exhausted led to me being physically exhausted as well.

"I hadn't cycled since 1992 and started again in September last year.

"I started gently riding parts of the Tarka Trail, I was really enjoying it and feeling really relaxed.

"I wanted to give something back as well as explore the UK.

"I have decided to do the challenge unaided on my own and will be camping.

"An American company has offered me a teepee which is large enough to live in and store my bike."

Graeme has also been offered support and equipment from tyres to chewy bars to eat when he is in training.

He plans to cycle the British coast in April/May next year and is currently training three times a week.

Graeme said he needs to do a couple of preparatory rides first and this April plans to cycle around the South West peninsula from Hatherleigh to Land's End, on to the Lizard, Plymouth then back on one of the national cycle routes.

In August he is planning a ride which will start in North Wales, go along the national route to Chepstow and then home.

He said: "I never know from day to day how I will feel, but I have come a long way and I want to enjoy this challenge as well as raise money and awareness.

"There will be days lost and I think it is going to take me about four months as this is me living within the boundary of my illness.

"It is daunting but I am very excited about it.

"I would like the money raised to go into Sustrans South West, and would like to make people aware of the importance of exercise in managing conditions like mine."

To support Graeme visit www.justgiving.com/Graeme-Willgress