Diocesan News
Marathon Cycle to Raise Mental Health Awareness
Cyclists to visit eight Church of Ireland cathedrals
A County Tyrone clergyman, who lost his mother to suicide 30 years ago, is finalising preparations for a three–day cycle around the eight Church of Ireland cathedrals in Northern Ireland and Donegal to raise funds for a mental health charity and for his parish hall.
The Rector of St James, Donagheady, the Reverend Doctor Robin Stockitt, will be joined on the trip by thirteen friends from the Donemana area. The group – who meet up twice a week to cycle – will set off on Friday morning (5th August) and will cover 240 miles over the three days. Their itinerary includes visits to the Church of Ireland cathedrals in Derry/Londonderry, Raphoe, Enniskillen, Clogher, Armagh, Dromore, Lisburn and Belfast.
Dr Stockitt says the friends belong to different Christian churches in Tyrone and funds raised will be split evenly between their two chosen projects. The first is to renovate Donagheady Parish Hall and bring it up to modern day standards, making it a venue for all to use. The second is the charity Cycle Against Suicide, which raises awareness about mental health.
Rev Stockitt says his interest in mental health stems from the loss of his mother, 30 years ago this week, and from contact with parishioners who have also been bereaved through suicide. Last week, the Belfast–based investigative news website, The Detail, reported that the number of suicides registered in Northern Ireland last year – 318 – was the highest annual total on record. The website said more than 7,500 people had taken their own lives in Northern Ireland since records began in 1970.
Dr Stockitt says Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the United Kingdom at 16.5 per 100,000. This means that in the 18 years since the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement, more people have died through suicide than were killed in the 30 years of ‘The Troubles’.
You can support Dr Stockitt’s cycle, by donating online at www.sponsorme.co.uk/robinstockitt/eight-cathedrals-sponsored-bike-ride.aspx
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
[email protected]