Determined cyclist rides across Europe to raise awareness of mental health
Posted: Monday, 10 June 2019
Ryan Anderton, an adventurous cyclist, and a Trust Member of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is planning his greatest challenge yet after riding around the coast of Britain.
Previously cycling 4,800 miles around the coastline of mainland Britain in 42 days, Ryan raised £7,000 for mental health charity Mind, having only started cycling in 2016. On the third day of his epic journey around the coastline of England, Ryan was hit by a car, which resulted in a visit to hospital. The determined cyclist was not perturbed and despite injuries continued his journey the following day to continue the challenge he had set out to complete.
Ryan, aged 39, has lived experience of mental health crisis and has suffered from depression, suicidal thoughts and behavioural issues. Ryan credits cycling regularly and taking part in cycling challenges, alongside the support he received from the Care Trust in helping him get his life and mental health back on track.
Committed to raising awareness on mental health, Ryan’s latest adventure aims to shine a light on an issue that affects one in four people every year, with many people experiencing low moods, anxiety and stress at some point in their lives.
Setting himself the new challenge of replicating the World Record route of ultra-endurance cyclist and multiple record holder Lee Fancourt (Ridgway), Ryan will ride through 12 European countries in 21 days in July.
The grueling challenge will see Ryan cycling from Nordkapp in Norway to Tarifa in Spain, via Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and France.
The Trust’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Paul Hogg, said: “I met Ryan recently at a mental health awareness event in Keighley. It’s clear from our conversation that he’s a great ambassador for tackling the stigma surrounding mental illness. As a member of the Trust we wish him the best of luck in his latest adventure and raising awareness about an issue that can affect us all through his epic bike ride.”
Ryan said: “The service provided by the Care Trust, and with support from other local services, when I was in crisis, gave me time and a foundation to rebuild my life again. Without their care, support and guidance I wouldn’t be doing the things I am now, thank you.”
The Care Trust offers a range of services to help support people with their mental health, including the First Response service, which offers mental health crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, telephone: 01274 221181 and three homely and welcoming safer spaces for adults and young people to go to in emotional distress, as an alternative to hospital admission, which are run in collaboration with the voluntary sector. To find out more visit: ww.bdct.nhs.uk/services/first-response/
The Care Trust’s MyWellbeing College is also available to help people navigate their way through life’s ups and downs. The free service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to enrol on a course, they can register online at ww.bmywellbeingcollege.nhs.uk or give the enrolment team a call on 0300 555 5551 to chat through the range of options available.
To follow Ryan’s latest challenge in July visit: followmychallenge.com, which has donated live GPS tracking, and is raising awareness via his RyanRidesAcrossEurope social media accounts.
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