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Launching the ‘Cycle Against Suicide Tralee Spin Off’ were, from left: John Drummey (Rose of Tralee Festival), Kevin Finn (Cycle Against Suicide), Cormac Sertutxa, Jim Breen (Cycle Against Suicide), Deputy Michael Healy Rae, Danielle O’Sullivan (2016 Kerry Rose), Colin Aherne, Grace O’Donnell, Sean Ryan, Clodagh Moynhan, Mags O’Halloran and Charlie Brennan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A FANTASTIC event to raise spread the message of mental health and suicide awareness is set to take place during the Rose of Tralee festival and the organisers are hoping the townspeople and beyond will give them their support.
On Saturday, August 20, the community of Tralee will host a 50km cycle as part of the Cycle Against Suicide SpinOff series. A SpinOff is a locally organised cycle that takes place once each month after the main 14-day Cycle around the island of Ireland.
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The events are locally organised, owned by the community and championed by Cycle Against Suicide ‘local leaders’. A SpinOff has all the colour, energy and fun of the annual Cycle but is packed into a single day.
The Tralee SpinOff promises to be a particularly special event. It will depart from Aspen Grove, beside Lidl, at 2pm on Saturday, August 20. The 50km route travels via the picturesque harbour of Fenit, before continuing past Banna Beach and on to the beautiful coastal village of Ballyheigue. The cyclists will conclude the SpinOff by cycling through Tralee Town and leading home the Rose Parade where thousands of people will cheer them home.
Entertainment, refreshments and, of course, a mental well-being presentation all take place as part of the SpinOff.
According to Jim Breen, Cycle Against Suicide founder, and local entrepreneur; “We are thrilled, and privileged, to participate in the Rose Parade this year. Every individual, every family, every community has some connection with suicide, self-harm or depression. Our mental health is just like our physical health – it is something we have to nurture and be mindful of. From time to time we have to ask for help – and that’s OK. Cycle Against Suicide continues to work towards breaking the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland by raising awareness of the message, ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help’. Up to 20,000 spectators are expected in Tralee for the Rose Parade,” he said.
“Concluding our SpinOff by cycling through the town and leading in the parade is a phenomenal opportunity to challenge stigma, positively change mind-set around mental health, and promote help-seeking behaviour by signposting those in need to where help is available. The community of Tralee has always been remarkably supportive of the Movement, taking our message to their hearts, and making it their own. Our local partners and sponsors have contributed immeasurably to our work, both locally and nationally, and we continue to be hugely grateful for their ongoing support,” added Jim.
You can register for the Tralee event by clicking here or register on the day at Aspen Grove, beside Lidl, from 12.30pm.
There are also many other ways to become involved. If you would prefer to volunteer rather than cycle, the Tralee SpinOff Committee welcomes all support, both in advance of the event, as well as on the day itself.
Check out the Facebook page here www.facebook.com/Cycle-Against-Suicide-Tralee-SpinOff– or @CASuicide on Twitter.
