Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change this by offering life-saving services, provoking conversation and bringing people together to reject living miserably.

From advice on our site, through to free, confidential chats with our helpline staff, online or on the phone, we’re here for whoever needs us, every day. No matter what.

The much-loved cycling sportive Tour De Test Valley was started in 2012 to honour the life of a very special and loved human being, Nelson Pratt. His friends and family wanted to create a positive legacy to honour his life and raise crucial awareness for suicide prevention. Since 2012, the event has to date raised over half a million pounds for CALM’s life-saving services. The Tour De Test Valley team will be taking a quick pause on the IRL event and will be back in 2024. This year, choose to ride any distance, anywhere in the world over the weekend of 16 - 17 September and help raise much-needed awareness and funds for CALM.

This year, we plan to ride 60 miles (1600 metres of ascent) around the Applecross Peninsula, in support of CALM ( Campaign Against Living Miserably) and in memory of our close and much-loved friend, Nelson Pratt, who tragically died in 2012. 

The ride means a great deal to us for a host of reasons. First and foremost to honour Nelson's memory but equally to help raise awareness towards mental health while breaking the stigma, reminding people (especially men) that there is no weakness in reaching out, that feelings of fear, anxiety and depression are natural human emotions. This ride is a reminder that we all can go through an episode or even episodes of declined emotional well-being within our lifetime as we may inevitably face adversity and challenges, and when we do it is important to know we can reach out and talk. Having support can help us reconnect with others when we most need it. Expressing what is inside of us and feeling supported and understood are fundamental human needs and everyone ought to feel that this need can be met. CALM helps us to connect and reach out when we have no place else to turn.

On a personal level, our own family has also been directly affected by suicide. Losing our father Murray, in 1988, has meant that it is something we have lived with since we were small children.. For a family, losing someone to suicide is utterly devastating.

Nelson was not only a dearly loved friend but also something of a snowboarding mentor to us. He was a truly special soul and it seemed everyone he touched felt the same way. During our years living in the French Alps together, we all shared many great times. Whether riding the mountain, having beers at the bar, travelling, sharing our thoughts and feelings or cooking up a storm at home, moments shared with Nelson were always special.

Despite our current, challenging financial times, if you would like to show your support towards CALM and aid in helping to support and prevent suicide then we would greatly value any donation you're able to gift. A few pounds can go a long way.

Best wishes,

Duncan & Chris