Easter Sunday charity cycle to take in the 'beautiful' Waterford countryside

Now in its 10th year, the annual mental health and suicide awareness charity cycle in Waterford will take place this Easter Sunday.

Registration will be open from 8am and the cycle will begin at Leamybrien at 9am on the day. Cyclists can choose to do the 30km or 50km trail depending on their preference and all are urged to join in as it is a fun and healthy way to support this worthy cause.

Cllr Liam Brazil, one of the founders of the initiative, said: “This cycle is all about promoting positive mental health and trying to reduce the stigma that's attached to both mental health and suicide.

“Every year we lose more than 500 people to suicide in Ireland and that is 500 families mourning the loss of a loved one and forever trying to understand why? Statistics from the US show that each suicide affects a large circle of 135 people who may be in need of support following a suicide death."

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“If we can get people on their bikes, out in the beautiful countryside and talking about their mental health, that goes a very long way to alleviating the pain and pressures that they may be feeling.

“The message is it that it is okay to not feel okay and mental health should be talked about openly the same way a physical illness can be discussed openly.  By removing the stigma, we can create a more open and understanding society, where everybody is comfortable talking about their mental health."

The 10th mental health and suicide awareness charity cycle will take in the picturesque villages of Kilmacthomas, Kilmeaden, Kill, Bunmahon and Durrow. 

Entry is €25 per person and to register or donate, you can click here.