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Where to start?…………A cycling event is being organised by Fraser Thomson and his cousin, Bruce Thomson and will take place on Sunday 12 September 2010.  Its aim is to raise money for SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health, in memory of Fraser’s dear sister Pamela Tate who tragically took her own life at the young age of 31 years on 13^th September 2009 after a brave battle against mental health illness. 

The stark fact is that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives and the chances are that we will all know someone who will be affected.  There is still a stigma regarding mental health problems; a stigma that is not associated with other illnesses such as cancer.  Part of SAMH’s goal is to remove this stigma and get people talking about their problems and help people back to recovery.

For those of you who knew Pam, I’m sure that you will agree that she had such an outgoing personality and was always so much fun to be around. Indeed, the majority of her friends and colleagues were completely unaware of her turmoil. She bravely coped for the best part of 13 years with these problems and only those closest to her were aware that she had any problems at all. 

After her death last year her husband, Duncan Tate, spoke to SAMH and set up a designated fund for Pam at the charity.  Money raised from this cycle will go towards this fund which focuses on funding for the work that SAMH channels to Suicide Prevention.  The cycle comes at the end of Suicide Prevention Week. Two people in Scotland are dying every day from suicide. With better understanding, support and changes in attitude how many of these tragedies could be prevented? 

Our choice of route for the cycle may at first appear a strange one……….. What significance to the Thomson family can a cycle from a small village near Thornhill in Dumfries & Galloway to the Gorbals area in Glasgow have?  

The reason for the choice of route is that Pam’s great, great, great Uncle was Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a blacksmith to trade, who is recognised as the man who invented the pedal cycle.  The first recorded journey by his invention was from his home at the Courthill Smithy, near Thornhill in Dumfriesshire, to the Gorbals in Glasgow in 1842. The National Cycle Museum at Drumlanrig Castle houses the replica of Macmillan’s invention and this was opened by Pam’s late Grandfather, Len Thomson from Selkirk, in 1990.  It is from the museum at Drumlanrig Castle that we will be starting the cycle which totals 64 miles.The first 14 miles are almost all uphill and with a total climb of nearly 2000 ft.  After passing through the Gorbals area of we will finish at Pam's work, Glasgow Caledonian University which is close to  in .

Joining Fraser & Bruce (both great, great, great nephews of Kirkpatrick Macmillan) are a group of friends & colleagues who share a common interest in cycling. With thanks to the guys who have committed thus far; 

Iain Harris, Luciano Caira, Kyle Whittington, Chris Twyford, Allan Stratford, Alex Lanin, Greig Mackay & Simon Caddick.

Thanks for showing your support in joining us on what will be a nearly unique and exciting cycle journey, raising money for Pam’s fund and awareness for suicide prevention.

A massive thank you to all our friends & family for sponsoring us.

PS...If you would like more information on SAMH please follow this link:

 www.samh.org.uk

Quote from Sir Chris Hoy, SAMH Ambassador, Multiple World Champion and Triple Olympic Gold Medal winner at Bejing Olympics 2008.

"I really admire Fraser's purpose and resolve in organising a sponsored cycle with a team of 10 people from Dumfries to Glasgow to mark the first anniversary of Pam's death, and on behalf of SAMH I would like to wish Fraser and the team the very best of luck."

Quote from Graeme Obree (double world champion & double world hour record holder and supporter of SAMH)

"I'm delighted that Fraser and his fellow team members are fundraising to  help SAMH raise awareness of suicide prevention.   My "Old Faithful" might not have been around if it wasn't for Fraser's Great Great Great Uncle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan , who is acclaimed to be the first to invent the pedal-driven bicycle.  I'm behind you all the way Fraser, and remember to tell your team members to keep their shoulders hunched and  tuck their elbows into their ribs to help them gain more speed.  Good luck." 

Quote from Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH

“SAMH recognises the very particular and acute sense of loss and pain that many families bereaved through suicide feel.  Family and friends of Pam Tate have engaged themselves with SAMH in such a supportive way - through the wonderful cycling event and more broadly the Memorial Fund established in memory of Pam - and we are indebted to them.  Through all our work in mental health and particularly in suicide prevention, we will strive to offer hope, encouragement and practical support to Pam Tate’s family and many like them across Scotland.”

For updates on our training and the fund raising have a look at our facebook page and join up!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=670243256#!/group.php?gid=122771991104195