Thanks for taking the time to visit - Team: Just Only John B's
JustGiving page.

John Brooks McLemore, from Woodstock ("S-Twon") Alabama sadly took his own life on June 22nd 2015. He was 49 years old. At the time, John was taking part in the early stages of a podcast, produced by the makers of This American Life - called "S-Town".

John B died before the podcast was released in late March 2017. I think he would have been astounded and 'tickled' in equal measure at the incredible success of S-Town and at how many people from across the globe, have taken John and his story to their hearts.

I don't think John B realised, just how much he was (and still is) loved.

A Facebook discussion group (S-Town Discussion Group (Spoilers)) was created because of the overwhelming interest in S-Town. As of today July 22nd - the group has 8,000+ members and continues to grow.

When I found out that World Suicide Prevention Day is happening on September 10th this year (2017 being the 15th year that this event has been held) I decided to try to get a team of s-town fans together, fans from all corners of the globe, to take part in this wonderfully, fun, inclusive event.

I have launched an appeal in the S-Town Discussion Group (Spoilers) on Facebook today, and I hope that together, we can help make a difference. That we can work together as team 'Just Only John B' - in raising funds and raising awareness, of the devastating impact, suicide has, on families, on friends and loved ones, of those who end their own lives, and of the impact it has on society in general.

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To register to take part as a member of our team: 'Just Only John B' simply follow these steps: 

Copy this link into your browser:
 https://iasp.info/wspd2017/cycle-around-globe-submission-form/

Complete the short form - making sure to include the following:

1) ENTER: Team Name: ‘Just Only John B’
IMPORTANT - when registering - enter Team Name as: 
Just Only John B <-- you can copy & paste using the name on the left of this sentence.

2) ENTER: How far you aim to cycle- in miles or kilometers.
IMPORTANT: you MUST enter '0' in whichever measurement you DON'T wish to use - so if you want to measure your distance in MILES type '0' in the kilometers box - and vice-versa

3) From the ‘Fundraising’ drop-down menu select:
‘Local/Nat Suicide Prevention Centre’

4) In the last box that says:
'If fundraising for IASP please show fundraising method'
Leave This Blank - as you are raising funds for a 'local' Suicide Prevention Centre - John B's nearest one in Birmingham.

5) Type in the captcha word & SUBMIT - check your email.
You will then be a fully fledged member of team Just Only John B - congratulations and thank you for taking part - I'm sure John B would be very proud of your commitment.

6) Email your Facebook username to: justonlyjohnb@gmail.com - and you will be invited to the special Just Only John B Facebook Group, where you can download your sponsorship form & stay updated on team news.
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The organisation who will receive all funds raised (either from sponsorship money raised by cyclists, or from your direct, kind donations) are the wonderful:

• Birmingham Crisis Center Inc. (http://crisiscenterbham.org/)
  

They are the closest crisis helpline to Woodstock, Alabama, so residents of the town where John was born, and lived his whole life, will directly benefit from our fundraising.

On their website,

Birmingham Crisis Center state:

OUR MISSION is to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues and respond with services that promote coping, emotional health and well-being.

They go on to say: 

"Our primary service area is Central Alabama, which is defined as the five county area surrounding Birmingham. This includes Blount County, Jefferson County, St. Clair County, Shelby County and Walker County."

Whilst they don't 'officially' serve Bibb County (there is actually no official organisation that does) Janet Simpson-Templin - who is Director of Development & Communications at Crisis Center, Inc., informed me that they are the closest crisis center available.

Janet went on to explain to me...

"If a person from Bibb County calls the National Suicide Hotline, they will be automatically routed to our 24 hour crisis and suicide hotline. We also do a great deal of outreach to that community, and are in their schools teaching suicide prevention and intervention skills as well as anti-bullying and safe relationships (to prevent sexual assault and other interpersonal violence.)"

You can rest assured that all funds raised will really help at a very local level in Woodstock and Bibb County as a whole.

If you're not able to take part in our team's IASP Cycle Around The Globe 2017 event itself, you can still donate to this very worthwhile cause, simply by making a donation on this page.

Thank you for your time in visiting this page, I hope you are able to participate either by cycling in John's memory, or by kindly making a donation.

• Good luck and thank you to all involved.
  

Now, let's get cycling!!

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