Diocesan News
Cycling Marathon Begins
Parishioners at St James’s Church, Donagheady, turned out in force early this morning to support their Rector, the Reverend Dr Robin Stockitt, and a dozen friends as they prepared to head off on a three–day sponsored cycle to raise funds for a new parish hall and for the mental health charity Cycle Against Suicide.
The group set off at 8 o’clock on Friday morning. Their 240–mile route will include visits to seven Church of Ireland cathedrals in Northern Ireland – Derry/Londonderry, Enniskillen, Clogher, Armagh, Dromore, Lisburn and Belfast – and one in the Republic, St Eunan’s, Raphoe.
Dr Stockitt, who took up cycling a year ago, says his interest in mental health stems from the loss of his mother, Carol, to suicide 30 years ago. Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the United Kingdom and Rev Stockitt says he has been amazed by the number of other people he has met in the community who have been bereaved by 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 since records began. The website said more than 7,500 people had taken their own lives in Northern Ireland since 1970.
Dr Stockitt says 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’.
If you want to support Dr Stockitt’s cycle, you can donate online by visiting www.sponsorme.co.uk/robinstockitt/eight-cathedrals-sponsored-bike-ride.aspx
Money raised from the 3–day cycle will be shared evenly between the parish hall restoration and Cycle Against Suicide.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
[email protected]