Mid and North East Essex Mind is here to support and empower people experiencing an emotional or mental health condition by building on their personal hopes and aspirations. We work with children, young people and adults across the area. We believe no one should face a mental health problem alone

There is 16 of us cycling from London to Paris on 14th September 2022 to raise money for this fantastic cause. As you may know, suicide is the biggest taker of lives for men under 45 and among us we have lost four extremely close loved ones to suicide; Chris, Mark, Lee & Kevin.


The most recent being Chris Ekins, our friend and brother to our rider Richard, who fell victim to this earlier this year in February, at the age of only 32. This came as a huge shock to everyone as he hid any sign of his problems and demons so well (as do most of us, this past year more than ever!) and has left us all still reeling. He will be sorely missed as a friend, son and father. His love for anything with an engine and hunger for mischief & adventure always brought a smile to all our faces.

Back in 2014 Chris, Richard and Andy lost their dad, Mark Ekins to suicide.
Richard Ekins - "I lost my dad to suicide in 2014 after he had suffered with depression for many years. Then a few months ago my brother also took his own life. My brother knew the devastation and destruction it leaves behind especially to friends and family but still thought this was the best and right option to take. This just proves more so to me that peoples mental health can totally take over everything if it’s not spoken about or treated as such. I’m not doing and saying anything for attention and anyone who knows me will understand that, I want to be part of something to try and make a difference and prevent this awful situation many of us find ourselves in happening. If we can raise awareness and as much money as possible to help even just one person/family then great."

In the year 2000 another of our riders, Tim and his two brothers Paul and Jake, also lost their father Kevin Needham.
Tim Needham - "Unfortunately our dad made the decision to take his own life in January 2000. Jake was 5 years old, I was 9, and Paul was 20.
This has affected me, my brothers, my mum and others around us in all different ways. It’s important to try and be kind to everyone.
Back in those days, I believe mental health was a taboo subject and help wasn’t as readily available or known about. Sadly, my auntie Sue (Dads sister) took her life a few years later.
I am doing this for myself, my family, my friends and for anyone else suffering from this illness. There is help out there, you just need to accept it."


The year 2016 saw us lose a good friend, Lee Pennycuick to suicide. So many questions were left unanswered and that made it incredibly hard for his family and friends, such a character and always the bloke who made everyone laugh he is sorely missed every day. We have the full support from Lees family and a message from his dad is that the more awareness and the more people we can reach the better.


Any contribution you can afford will be extremely welcomed & will give us the momentum & motivation required to complete this epic journey!
If you cannot give right now please bear us in mind if you are in a position to do so in the future!

We have a lot of other ideas for upcoming fundraising events including a charity football match, golf day, race night etc which we will update in due course.

Follow us on Instagram @ldntoparis

Email enquiries: daniel.tokely@toppesfield.com