Man's mammoth ride for charity that saved his life

A man who has said his life was saved by a suicide prevention centre is undertaking a 220-mile bike ride to raise funds for the charity.

Connor Doyle, from Liverpool, said he had already made an attempt on his life when he was put in touch with the people at James' Place, a charity that offers free therapy to men in suicidal crisis

The charity was founded by the family of 21-year-old student James Wentworth-Stanley who took his own life in 2006.

"I was in a really dark place, I didn't know where to turn or who to speak to," Mr Doyle said, speaking of his own experience.

"I'm the last person you would think could go through something like that, I'm always smiling.

"When it happened everyone said the same thing, if it can happen to me it can happen to anyone."

The 32-year-old said he was cycling from one of the charity's centres in Newcastle to the centre in Liverpool to raise funds for the charity and make people aware of the services it offers.

"They were unbelievable the staff. I had six or seven sessions and it wasn't like going into a hospital it's more warm and comfortable, it felt easy and safe to speak.

"I always said I wanted to raise money and make other people aware of the service they offer because I wasn't aware of them until it was nearly too late.

"Since I spoke openly the amount of people who got in touch to say they're going through something similar is scary, it opens your eyes."

He will be making the 220-mile trip on 6 June with his brother-in-law, a group of five friends and his dad, who will be driving alongside them.

"We've hired a van just in case of any injuries so my dad is the designated driver because he wanted to get involved," he said.

"None of us have ever ridden a road bike but they all know how much the cause means to me.

"I appreciate them putting the work in and doing it I'm sure they could imagine better ways to spend their weekend."

Last year, the group completed the Three Peaks challenge and raised more than £2,000 for the charity.

"We're so proud of Connor and all the amazing things he has achieved since leaving James' Place," Andy Noon, head of centre for James' Place Liverpool said.

"He is proof that you can overcome a suicidal crisis with the right help and thrive in the future."

Suicide is the single leading cause of death for men under 35.

James' Place has centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle, with a fourth centre in Birmingham opening by early 2026.

If you or someone you know are having feelings of despair or emotionally distressed, you can access advice and support here.

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