In an effort to raise awareness and funds for mental health research, James Smith, as an Ambassador for the Mindstep Foundation, is cycling over 2,300 Kilometres from his home in London to Perugia, Italy.
James is the son in law of Conveyancing Foundation Chairman, Lloyd Davies, and husband of Georgia Davies.
The journey, which began on July 23rd, aims to raise £1 per Kilometre cycled, with a fundraising target of £2,300 or more for crucial suicide prevention research, conducted by the University of Glasgow.
The Mindstep Foundation is a charity focused on fundraising to improve mental health and suicide prevention. Their mission is to advance research, increase awareness, and provide support for everyone affected. Mindstep has established a Fellowship at Glasgow University and has raised over £250,000 to further its charity and research objectives.
Over the years, James has personally raised over £7,000 through various fundraising events, including cycling the length of Wales and back in 48 hours and in cycling from Genva to Perugia, to support better mental health research.
James is cycling in memory of his late brother-in-law, Max Davies, who passed away to suicide in 2018. Reflecting on challenging times and how exercise has helped him to maintain positive wellbeing, James shared: “I have always been interested in the link between the benefits of exercise and mental health. Exercise has always driven me and allowed me to improve my mental health and cope in difficult situations. Your support during this challenge means the world to me and to everyone at the Mindstep Foundation.”
Supporters can follow James’ daily progress across Europe and over the Alps on Strava and the Mindstep Foundation’s Instagram stories and on his Just Giving page, where he will be sharing updates, images, and the distance covered each day.
Please join us in supporting James on his monumental fundraising challenge. Every contribution made will help to advance the research and support services provided by the Mindstep Foundation, making a significant impact in the fight against suicide.
Links: Just Giving page | Mindstep Foundation Instagram | Mindstep Foundation website
