I lost my sister, Alice, to suicide in January 2022. Over the years we’d talked about her joining me on the back of the tandem, to build up her confidence cycling around Edinburgh. We never made time for it. Now it’s too late. 

Since Alice's death, I've learned an enormous amount from others who have lost someone to suicide. On this tandem ride (88 days and about 3500 miles around the coast of mainland UK) I'll be joined, each day, by a different person who has been affected by suicide. I want to listen to them, learn from them and to share their stories. People who've lost someone to suicide have important things to say, and we should all listen because suicidal thoughts and feelings can happen to anyone.

Together, I’d like to raise money and awareness for two charities that do good and important work to stop suicide and support those affected by suicide.

The first of these charities is SOBS. I have attended the SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) groups for almost a year. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from everyone who attends (people from all walks of life who have lost someone to suicide). In my view, only people who’ve had this devastating experience can really understand what it feels like, and SOBS gives free, monthly, face-to-face support all over the UK. People travel great distances to attend our local group. Those that have lost someone to suicide are at greater risk of suicide themselves. The SOBS groups are lifesavers. There needs to be more of them, the volunteers need support and training. 

Papyrus campaign, train people and do everything they can to prevent youth suicide. If more people accessed their training, we would surely have a public that’s better equipped to talk and support those with suicidal thoughts.

*There are two options to donate to here. Both links work. It's the only way I can have two charities on one page. If you don't know which cause to donate to, I'd really like them to come out close to equal at the end of the trip. Hopefully that helps!

*Follow the journey at:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tandemagainstsuicideuk/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090507060981

Twitter @AlexanderByrn15