Cycle for Steven 24/8/11
Five young men from Uist are to undertake a 244-
Steven Morrison from Carinish, Peter Macnab from Locheport, Lewis Maclean and Gordon Kennedy from Lochmaddy along with Pol Kennedy of Benbecula will pedal off on Momday.
Peter MacNab explained: “After losing our dear friend Steven Kennedy late last year, when he lost his battle with depression and took his own life, I wondered if there was some way in which we could remember him and possibly give the situation some form of closure.
“I use the word 'closure' lightly as we don't want to forget him, but only want to try and make the situation easier to deal with. Words can’t explain the feelings you get when you lose a friend in such a way.”
He added: “If you see us on the road please give us a wave or a beep of the horn!”
The route takes them via Skye and they will cycle the last 12 miles to Carnish Hall when they get off the Lochmaddy ferry on Friday morning.
Later that night a ceilidh will be held in the hall featuring Glasgow traditional band Yuptae. Entry is by donation before 10pm and £5 afterwards. Information about Suicide Prevention Week will be available at the event.
Sponsorship for the ceilidh, raffle prize donations and donations towards the overheads associated with the cycle would all be welcomed (contact Steven Morrison at stevenm305@hotmail.com to donate).
The cyclists will also be raising money for CALM -
Peter said: “Until we lost Steven, we never knew that suicide was the biggest killer of men under 35.
“None of his friends or family knew he was suffering from depression. All we really want is to help make people more aware of this silent killer and prevent other families having to deal with the issues that Steven’s family had to.”
“If there are more people aware of depression, it will gradually become easier for young men to speak to about their feelings and it may help prevent other families/friends losing their loved ones in such a cruel way. You don't know what you have lost until it’s gone.”
Chair of NHS Western Isles Neil Galbraith will meet the cycliuts before they leave Glasgow. He said: “Steven, Peter, Lewis, Gordon and Pol are to be commended for taking the initiative to raise awareness of suicide; an issue it is not always easy to talk about. By talking about suicide openly and responsibly, people at risk feel more comfortable about asking for, and responding to, the help they need.”