A member of a Glasgow-based peer support group has today cycled the 5,000th mile of a fundraiser that started in January.

Brian Smith is raising funds with his Big Bike Ride for MindtheMen, the suicide prevention and mental wellbeing group.

He crossed the 5,000 mile mark when he completed the journey from the SEC to Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch. 

Other members of the group cycled with Brian as he reached the milestone. 

The peloton was welcomed by a number of members when it reached Balloch.

Glasgow Times: Members of MindtheMen celebrate with Brian Smith in Balloch [Photograph courtesy of MindtheMen] Members of MindtheMen celebrate with Brian Smith in Balloch [Photograph courtesy of MindtheMen]

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Brian will continue the Big Bike Ride as he attempts to clock up 10,000 miles over the coming months.

He said: "It's great to have the support of fellow MindtheMen members as the Big Bike Ride continues to raise funds for the group and reduce male suicide.

"Sadly, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in Scotland. In 2019, 74% of people who died by suicide were men with many never being able to talk about how they were feeling. 

"We want men to know that our clubs offer safe places to talk about their challenges with other men. 

"All our facilitators have undertaken suicide awareness training and new members are made to feel very welcome."

Where and when do the clubs take place? 

The group's three clubs take place every monday night and are free of charge.

  • Glasgow South 7.15pm-9.30pm 
  • Glasgow North 7pm-9pm
  • Online via Zoom 7pm-9pm