Trio stop off in Bridgnorth on tribute trip from John O’ Groats to Land’s End in memory of tragic friend
Three friends made a special visit to Bridgnorth Rugby Club as they pedalled hundreds of miles from John O’ Groats to Land’s End in memory of a close friend.
Giles Themans from Bridgnorth took on the epic ride alongside Alex Hayton and Fenn Newsome, old friends from Newcastle University.
The trio are keen rugby players, and were hit hard when a close friend and teammate, Marcus Corville, took his own life.
Marcus was a promising trainee doctor, sportsman and musician who hid the fact that he was suffering from depression from his friends, explained Giles.
Hoping to make a difference, the team are now spreading the word about mental health in young men, while raising serious funds for Marcus in Mind, a charity set up in memory of their friend.
“The three of us felt compelled to do something to help raise awareness of depression and mental health,” explained Giles. “After learning at his funeral that Marcus had completed this very cycle ride twice, we knew it would be an appropriate challenge. We are using the hashtag #ItsOkNotToBeOk and we’re hoping to remove some of the stigma and get blokes like us opening up about mental health.”
After 700 miles and nine days they arrived in Bridgnorth last Wednesday, where they were welcomed by local residents and rugby players at Bridgnorth Rugby Club.
Mayor Ron Whittle and Carol Whittle were amongst those who attended the evening and made a donation to the cause.
While the traditional cycle route is around 874 miles long, the team took a more circuitous route visiting rugby clubs across the UK as well as their own club – Newcastle Medicals.
They arrived at Land’s End on Sunday.
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Fellow cyclist Alex Hayton said: “Our aim is to spread our message far and wide and hope others may cycle with us; we are eager for this to ‘unite’ clubs as a safe environment for young men to discuss mental health at rugby with their teammates.”
“When we discovered depression leading to suicide was the cause of Marcus’ death, we couldn’t believe it.
“We had always seen Marcus as he was at rugby, a strong, witty and kind gentleman.
“After talking with more teammates who have opened up and described their own experiences the horrifying statistics become relatable.”
For more or to donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/for-marcus
Need help?
Help and advice for those having a mental health crisis is available from a number of agencies in Shropshire.
Shropshire Mind - 01743 368647 or shropshiremind.org
Samaritans - 116 123 or samaritans.org
Access Service for Adult Mental Health - 03001 240365
