On 27th May 2017, Jim Foster, Gareth Sullivan, Carl Thomason, Steve Chadwick, Dave Turner, Paul Pledger & Luke Sullivan will be taking on the South Down's Way Mountain Bike Challenge to raise money for Men's Minds Matter.

Described as a right of passage in mountain biking circles, the South Downs Way covers 100 miles of off road terrain, climbing 16000ft. Day one covers some 62 miles and day two the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head , a place where so many live have been unnecessarily lost to suicide.

Since 2009, Men's Minds Matter has been actively campaigning to raise awareness of male suicide whilst tackling the issues faced by men and boys head on.

Men currently still make up 76% of all suicides in the UK, a gender ratio of nearly 4 to 1. For as long as records have existed (1861) the rates of suicide have been much higher for men. This difference is universal, being found in virtually every country, all age groups and at every point in time.

Men’s Minds Matter is currently developing a range of new services, including local and online workshops, support for those bereaved by suicide and our Men's Institute pilot groups - all part of our strategy to prevent further unnecessary loss of life.

So far, Men's Minds Matter has been possible through the kind contributions of passionate people, including those with lived experience of mental health issues, psychologists and others. All of our staff are volunteers and your kind donations – no matter how large or small - in support of the Mountain Bike Challenge will help cover basic costs and progress these new projects.

Suicide is preventable and with your support we hope lives can be saved.