Pompey to Pompeii – A Vespa Journey for Mental Health

In May 2026 I will ride 3,500 km across Europe on a Vespa, travelling solo from Portsmouth to Pompeii.

The journey will take me across multiple countries and through long days on the road, often completely alone with my thoughts. I only passed my motorcycle licence six months ago, so this expedition will be both a physical challenge and a personal one.

But this ride is about far more than distance. It's me alone, no support, travelling across Europe.

I am undertaking this journey in memory of a close friend I lost to suicide last year, and in recognition of the many people whose lives are affected by mental health struggles.

Mental health does not only affect the person suffering — it deeply affects the people who care about them and the people left behind.

I also experienced the impact of loss when my father passed away from cancer during the COVID period. Losing him affected me more than I expected and I found myself withdrawing and isolating for months. That experience showed me how powerful isolation can be and how easily grief and loss can impact someone’s mental health.

Through this journey I want to raise awareness of these struggles and encourage open conversations around mental health, isolation and resilience.

Throughout the expedition I will be documenting the preparation, the challenges and the ride itself, sharing the journey with others and hopefully reminding people that even when someone appears alone, they do not have to face things alone.

I will be uploading regularly to @pompeytopompeii on Instagram.

As part of the Pompey to Pompeii expedition, I am raising funds for Mind, the UK mental health charity that works to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Every donation helps support people experiencing mental health difficulties and provides vital support services across the UK.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount, it would mean a great deal.

EVERY SINGLE DONATION DENOMINATION of £5 IS ENTERED INTO MY RAFFLE.

And if you cannot donate, simply sharing the page helps raise awareness and makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting this journey.

Alex Tyrrell

@alextyrrell - @PompeytoPompeii

Pompey to Pompeii 2026