Alastair cycles 3000km for Suicide Prevention

My name is Alastair Baldwin and I am a 20 year old design student and cycling enthusiast. I decided on New Year’s Day that I would cycle the length of our country and while doing so, help to raise funds and awareness for the listening and support telephone service, Samaritans.

This had been a dream of mine for several years: something, up until now, I had been too afraid (or too sensible!) to attempt. On the 28th of February, I will fly down to Invercargill and begin cycling north. My route will take me up the east coast, through Dunedin and Christchurch. Then I'll go over Arthur's Pass, into Greymouth and up to Nelson and Picton. After catching the ferry over to Wellington, I will most likely travel up the West Coast to Foxton, across to Hawkes Bay, then back across the Central Plateau to Taupo, Auckland and Northland. The total trip distance will likely exceed 3000km and will take about 2 months on my gear laden bike.

I want to help raise funds for Samaritans because I know first-hand how important it is to have someone to talk to when you’re struggling with your mental health. Samaritans offers completely confidential 24/7 support for those in need, which I think many people (especially those around my age) can benefit from.

Samaritans receive no government funding and are severely under-funded, but need our help so that they can continue listening and caring thousands of New Zealanders every year. NZ has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, and I want people to know that there is someone wanting to help on the other end of the phone. In addition to all this, Samaritans offer advice and support around the subject of sexuality, a topic I find very important. LGBTQ people shouldn't be made to feel 'less than' or discriminated against. By Samaritans opening this dialogue, hopefully people of all walks of life can feel a bit safer and happier in our communities.

Please support my journey and givealittle to help Samaritans prevent suicide in New Zealand.