Cycling for mental health awareness

CHALLENGE: The cycling marathon with Bradley Cahill, Justine Doughty, and Nick Wild, from the Canal and River Trust, and Hannah Patten.

The Canal and River Trust’s Leeds branch employees took part in a two-day long bikeathon, cycling the equivalent length of the Leeds Liverpool canal.

The office last year pledged its support to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s #SpeakYourMind campaign, which was launched in 2017 to raise awareness of mental health issues in Leeds and combat the damaging social stigma surrounding them.

And on February 1 and 2, more than 24 employees at the charity’s office put their pedals to the metal to raise money for the Leeds Mind mental health charity, which offers services and support to people with mental health issues.

They cycled a more than 270 miles during the mammoth charity challenge.

It was also organised as part of the national Time to Talk campaign, encouraging people to start the conversation on mental health.

Justine Doughty, employee relations advisor at the Canal and River Trust in Leeds, said: “Employees took part in a virtual cycle from Leeds to Liverpool on the towpath, and back again. 24 people took part, cycling a total of 274 miles. Other staff members came together around the ‘healthy snacks table’ with Leeds Mind.

“This is another event that shows our employees’ commitment and passion about positive conversations around mental health.”

The YEP’s #SpeakYourMind campaign continues, and we want you to get involved on social media, by following our hashtag.

Last year, our campaign received top-level support, as the Prime Minister and Princes Harry and William officially backed #SpeakYourMind.

Share your stories for the campaign by email to [email protected].