LOCALS are being asked to make a “wheel” effort in supporting the upcoming Cycle Against Suicide, by opening up their homes to 300 participants.

The cycle will be making its way through Ennis on Saturday, May 3 and organisers need homestays for the cyclists who have taken on the challenge to raise suicide awareness.

Fr Jerry Carey, who is working towards finding places for the participants, along with training to take part in the cycle himself, said he is “absolutely confident” that the generous people of Ennis will answer the call.

He explained, “Cycle Against Suicide is a national initiative that was started by Irish entrepreneur, Jim Breen, as a result of his appearance on The Secret Millionaire. The main objective of the cycle is to raise awareness of the considerable help and supports that are available for anyone battling depression, self harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide. The cycle is more about promoting awareness than raising funds. The message is ‘it’s OK not to feel OK and it’s OK to ask for help’.

“The cycle will take place from Monday, April 28 to Sunday, May 11. As it did in 2013, the cycle will create a very tangible and practical opportunity for people who want to support those who have been affected by suicide. Together, shoulder-to-shoulder, we can break the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland. And on May 3 the cycle will come to Ennis, ending the stage of the cycle that began in Newcastle West in County Limerick.”

Thousands of people will take part across all stages of the cycle, totalling 1,400 kilometres, over the two weeks, including a host of celebrities. Each day, the Cycle Against Suicide will cover an average of 100km and cyclists can participate in as many or as few legs of the cycle as they wish.

Fr Carey explained that 300 cyclists taking part in the event will need a place to stay in Ennis for the night when the cycle stops in Clare.
“We are urging people to volunteer a place to stay for these cyclists, who will be taking on a tough challenge. We want to show them what Ennis has to offer and how generous the people of the town are when it comes to supporting worthy causes such as this,” he said.

The cyclists will need to be picked up from their arrival point at Coláiste Muire at 5.30pm, given a bed for the night, a shower and an evening meal. The Ennis stop is mid-way through the cycle, so an event has been organised in the West County that night. This will highlight the purpose of the cycle, so the cyclists will need transport to that and breakfast the next morning before being brought to the Coláiste where they will head off on the next leg of the cycle to Tuam.

“I am absolutely confident that because of the message that this cycle is trying to get across and because it is something that affects so many people, that we will not be left wanting when it comes to providing homestays for the cyclists. I have great expectations we will easily meet our target,” he added

To help, text Fr Jerry on 086 2508444 or email jcarey@eircom.net.