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Firefighters from Suffolk Fire & Rescue and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue will be opening up about their own mental health on a journey which will be both physically and mentally exhausting.

A 19 strong team of men and women from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will be taking on the famous Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle Ride to raise money and awareness for mental health.  Their journey commences on Monday, 20th September 2021.

Darren Cooper, Station Commander, came up with the idea as he wanted to tick it off his bucket list, but now it's evolved into much more.

"The idea is that we will stay at fire stations along the way and each evening we will be opening up and sharing our personal experiences with mental health," he explained.

"We will be producing daily videos where we talk about our stories and give key messages to make sure other people know they're not alone and that 'it's OK not to be OK'.

"If we can reach just one other person by doing this, even one, then for me it will all have been totally worth it."

The 47-year-old is hoping to raise £50,000 to transform Jubilee Court, a residential home in Penrith, Scotland, run by The Fire Fighters Charity, which rehabilitates firefighters affected by physical and emotional stress of the job.

The team is aiming to complete the ride in 10 days and they will cycle 1,000 miles.

Dr Jill Tolfrey, chief executive at The Fire Fighters Charity, said: "We are delighted to offer our full support to the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service team as it sets off on The Longest Ride 2021.

"Every penny raised by the team will allow us to fund life enhancing mental health support - at our centres and through our outdoor spaces - for members of the fire services community in need today."

Mark Hardingham, former chief fire officer, will be taking on one leg of the bike ride and says that he and the team are encouraging others to take on a leg.

"Darren walked into my office and asked, 'have you got 10 minutes?' He pitched me his idea and I was sold right away.

"It's a great idea and even those who are more of what we'd called leisurely cyclists - and me who does no cycling at all - are taking part."

For more details and donations visit the website www.thelongestride.co.uk or find them on Twitter @LongestRide2021 Facebook LongestRide2021 and Instagram LongestRide2021

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