Motorcyclists rally to raise funds for young people's mental health

Inspired by a heartfelt letter from a 12-year-old boy, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts will be embarking on a remarkable challenge next week to raise money for the youth mental health charity, Jigsaw. 

Damian Sheridan will be leading seven other motorcyclists on a 72-hour journey that will cover 15,000km and visit all 14 local Jigsaw services across the country, including Donegal.

The Grand Tour Photo Challenge 2023 will begin on Thursday, June 15 by taking them through Dublin City, South Dublin, Wicklow, Fingal and Meath before going on to this county.

On Friday they will visit Roscommon, Galway, Limerick, Kerry and Cork. Their final leg on Saturday takes them to Tipperary, Offaly, and Kildare. 

The participants would greatly appreciate the presence of some enthusiastic onlookers and supporters. You can also show your support with a €2 donation by texting JIGSAW to 50300.

Damian, a facilities officer at Jigsaw, decided to fundraise for the charity after receiving a moving handwritten letter from a young boy.

"In his letter, the 12-year-old boy expressed his gratitude to Jigsaw for bringing happiness back into his sister's life, which, in turn, brought joy to their entire family," explained Damian. 

"He mentioned how much his family now has to look forward to. He shared how he collected wood from the nearby forest, cut and sold it as firewood in his community. From his efforts, he managed to raise nearly €300, which he donated to Jigsaw as a thank-you for all they did for his sister. 

“To me, this showcased the incredible impact Jigsaw has, not only on young people struggling with mental health but also on their families and the wider community."

Damian will be joined on the challenge by Dave Perry, Daryl D’Art, Tony Golden, Ken McGrevey, Mark Sheridan and Donal Doyle.

Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity, provides both online and in-person mental health advice and support to young people, parents, and those who work with young people. 

Over the past few years, the charity has consistently seen more and more young people coming to its services seeking support. In 2022 alone the service offered over 36,000 appointments to young people and saw over half a million visits to its website, Jigsaw.ie

"Damian's fundraising efforts for Jigsaw are extraordinary. Demand for our mental health services and support is on the increase, as we see more and more young people expressing feelings of isolation, fear and anxiety. It’s truly disheartening to see so many children and young adults struggling and finding it hard to get the support they so desperately need,” said Matthew Oakes, a spokesperson for Jigsaw.

“At Jigsaw, we are committed to ensuring that young people not only receive the help they need but the help they truly deserve. It is through the amazing fundraising efforts of Damian, and others like him, that we can continue making a real difference in the lives of these young individuals.

“We urge everyone who can to come out and show their support for Damian and his fellow riders on this remarkable journey. And if you can, we kindly ask for you to make a contribution to their fundraising efforts by texting JIGSAW to 50300 and donating €2.”

To support Damian on his epic Grand Tour Photo Challenge for Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity, you can make a €2 donation by texting JIGSAW to 50300.