A cyclist will be thinking of his brother as he undertakes a journey from Bolton to Ben Nevis by bike.
Bryan Dunne, 39, who lives in Eagley, will be taking part in a gruelling solo challenge over the course of three days to raise money for Suicide Prevention UK and to also raise awareness ‘around suicide amongst men and the importance of talking’ after he lost his brother to suicide.
Bryan, who works at Bolton Council, set up his fundraiser event this week and has already raised £100 towards his goal of £1,000.
Starting on the morning of Thursday, September 7, Bryan will begin his journey across the country before climbing Ben Nevis on the morning of Sunday, September 10 – he will be aiming to cycle 10 hours a day.
Bryan's brother died six years ago to suicide.
He said the two were ‘thick as thieves’ growing up and now Bryan wants to do all he can to raise these vital funds.
Bryan said: “I have decided to cycle from Bolton to Ben Nevis to raise awareness of suicide and to also raise funds for Suicide Prevention UK.
“My brother died from suicide six years ago, so I am doing it to raise money and my brother, Barry (Baz), and I will be doing this for him and everyone else lost to suicide, and those affected by its lasting impact.
“We were really close when we were kids, there was only one year between us so we were thick as thieves, and we were just typical brothers fighting but if anything happened to me, he would be there to help out and vice versa.
“And as we got a bit older, maybe in our twenties, he struggled with addiction, and he died when he was 34.
“I will be raising money for Suicide Prevention UK, but more importantly awareness around suicide amongst men and the importance of talking.
“My older brother, Barry, died from suicide and this topic is something that is very important to me.
“Most people, and especially the many men who die as a result of suicide go through it alone, which is why I will be completing this journey alone.
“So far, I have raised £100 of my £1,000 target but I only set up the fundraising page a few days ago.
“I will be stopping overnight in the Lake District, Glasgow and the night before climbing Ben Nevis in Fort William.
“I will be talking to anyone and everyone about the subject of suicide and trying to hopefully lift some of the stigma around talking.”
If you would like to donate to Bryan’s fundraiser, you can here: https://bit.ly/3Eb3TvL
Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.
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