Follow our journey on our blog on CycleTheAlps2015 or on Twitter @Cycle_The_Alps or on Facebook CycleTheAlps2015.This is why.

Some years ago, Simon lost a soul-mate to suicide. He called on his friend only to find that he had sadly taken his own life. In the aftermath, feelings of guilt, anger and sorrow ensued. More than anything though were questions; the attempt to piece everything together; the search for reasons; the realisation that Simon’s friend’s inner-feelings and state of mind had been masked by increasingly erratic behaviour. The more that Simon reflected, he still does now, the more he knows that his friend was in an ever-darkening place. He should have done something about it but where could he have turned?

Since 2006, The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) has offered support to men who are down or in a state of crisis. It constantly seeks to address the cultural barrier that stops men from seeking help. The stereo-typical man is expected to be “on the level” and strong all of the time. Anything else is deemed to be weak and a loss of manhood.

And so this is our reason; on Saturday 20th June 2015, husband and wife team, Simon and Helen, will cycle across the French Alps from GENEVA to NICE with support from a fantastic crew (Pam and Dicky).

Over 66,000 feet of climbing (more than twice the height of Everest),17 mountains, 700km; all in 7 days. Cycling this "Route des Grandes Alpes" brings men to tears.

Why our we pushing ourselves?

To raise awareness of suicide prevention and the work of CALM

In the UK, nearly 6,000 people take their own lives every year; three times as many men as women. This is:-

• more than three times the number of annual road deaths…
• 16 people per day…
• 1 person every 1 ½ hours.

In 2013 suicide was the biggest cause of death of men aged 20-45 in England and Wales and this is rising.

Think about the statistics. Go beyond this and try your very best to empathise with those who take their own lives…

…it’s difficult isn’t it?

We all face many challenges in life. We all have difficulties. We all have periods of uncertainty. We all have low points. Just how low can a person feel to trigger a tipping point from where there is no return?

There is little, or no, closure for those left behind.

Any contribution you are able to make may help somebody who is on the precipice. Imagine somebody close to you in an ever-darkening place…

Thankyou

Helen and Simon Cartwright