Police pals tackle cycle ride in memory of colleague

Two friends have cycled 131 miles (212km) from Cheshire to the Isle of Man in memory of their former police colleague.

Darren Wylde and Adrian Cannell completed the bike ride on Monday to raise awareness about mental health and remember their friend Stephen Hall who took his own life in November.

The three friends joined the police force on the island together in the 90s, with Darren and Adrian choosing to cycle 212km in one day in a nod to Mr Hall's collar number.

Mr Wylde said completing the challenge - which saw them swap to exercise bikes during the ferry crossing - was "emotional" and a "proud moment".

Dubbed The Long Hall, the challenge saw the pair cycle from Padgate in Warrington, which was where their friendship was cemented at police training college in 1999, to Ballaugh, the final resting place of the late police sergeant.

Described as a "larger than life character who is missed by everyone who knew him", Stephen had been a forensic collision investigator and was a father of two.

His loss was "devastating", Mr Wylde said, adding: "We wish we could turn back the clock, but if we can find a positive in his memory then it has got to be a good thing."

The pair raised £4,895 for mental health charities Isle Stand Up to Suicide, Police Care UK and Ed's Man's Club.

The duo decided to complete the challenge on Monday, to mark Mr Hall's birthday.

"With these milestones coming after his death, it was a good thing because it was a bit of a celebration when we came through to Ballaugh rather than a sad occasion," Mr Wylde said.

He said it could be "difficult to see the signs that someone is going through something and often people say they are all good but maybe deep down they are not".

"It is the effects it leaves afterwards, the families, the children, the friends," he said.

Throughout the bike ride the pair received the support of retired colleagues, friends and other well-wishers.

As they cycled past the fire station on Peel Road in Douglas, the service took their appliances out, put the blue lights on and clapped for them to show their support.

Mr Cannell said: "I balled my eyes out as we passed Douglas fire station as it showed solidarity."

With ambulance and other emergency service staff also showing support, he said "we all see some horrific scenes" and "they all carry that with them".

Regarding mental health, he said people should reach out to those around them and "look around to see what is happening in their life".

"There is a lot of paddling under water that you don't see, but by starting a conversation you can save a life."

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