Suicide is one the leading causes of death of young people, both male and female. According to the WHO, more than 8000,000 people commit suicide every year globally, around 1 person every 40 seconds. Thousands more contemplate suicide; many harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.

MSc Global Governance students at the University of South Wales recently had the privilege of meeting David Fitzsimmons on Capitol Hill. He gave us the armest of welcomes and arranged for us to have a VIP style introduction to the American political system. He made a great impact on us all and we were overwhelmed by his kindness and generosity. Just one week after we me David, we were saddened to hear that he lost his son, Davon, to suicide. We felt heartbroken for him.

The flight time from the UK to Minnesota, where David lived and worked, is 8.5 hours, so we have decided to undertake a cycling relay for the same duration. We will be fundraising for a US-based and UK-based suicide prevention charity.

We are undertaking this fundraising challenge primarily in the name of Davon Fitzsimmons but also in the name of people we have known who have faced challenges in silence.

Please support us