Ryan gears up for another epic bike ride

Ryan Anderton, who has battled for several years with depression, suicide attempts and behavioural issues, is now preparing to tackle a mammoth cycle ride around the entire coast of Britain to raise money for National mental health charity Mind.

Ryan, who credits his life to the volunteer-led services of men's mental health group Andy's Man Club (originally formed in Halifax, but with a group now held every Monday at Oldham Leisure Centre, said: “These groups helped me to find a way to not only cope with life but strive to do good instead of succumbing to my mental health and behavioural issues.

"If you are low and needing support that help is available from both the charitable sector as well as the NHS.”

Ryan has now used the support provided and the power of cycling to improve his mental health and wellbeing, and in October, he will set off on the 4,802-mile journey, hoping to cycle an average of 228 miles a day (that's Leeds to London EVERY DAY). 

The 38-year-old wants to raise funds and awareness of Mind and the work done by the national charity.

Ryan is riding largely unsupported and solo again, like he did last year when he successfully cycled a 1,036-mile route from Land’s End to John O'Groats in just eight days on behalf of men’s mental health organisation Andy's Man Club and the homeless charity Centrepoint UK.

His training for this latest challenge began in March with the launch of his Recycle Yourself Campaign.

He developed his campaign after recognising the need to start again and put his troubled past behind him, and with his passion for cycling chose to ‘recycle’ himself, leading to the Recycle Yourself Recycle Himself.

He has completed a gruelling challenge of cycling 50 miles a day for 50 consecutive days (except one day when his bike developed a fault!), and as part of his rigorous preparation he has also tackled the 117-mile, mountainous Stage 4 of the Tour De Yorkshire, participated in several charity sportives and fundraising cycling events and  is now continuing to ride around 250 miles per week.

Ryan said: “At the age of 30, I was first admitted to a mental health hospital ward after attempting suicide in a B&B in Blackpool. 

“I call it my ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ moment after the film when Nicolas Cage decides to go there to drink himself to death.

“Eight years on, I have used the power of peer support and cycling to launch my own mental health campaign, Recycle Yourself.”

Ryan is doing the ride on behalf of Mind in tribute to his uncle who sadly passed away earlier this year while under the care of the NHS mental health services, and he hopes to create awareness and funds for the charitable mental health sector.

It is the charitable sector which he credits with helping him and his uncle with its help and support.

Donations to Mind can be made via: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryanridesaroundbritain or by texting RECY48 and your amount (£1-10) to 70070.

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