North South Memorial Cycle

The 6th of June sees a North South Memorial Cycle in aid of PIPS Newry and Mourne (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self-harm) and SOSAD Ireland (Save Our Sons and Daughters)

Taking in the 6th and 7th of June, twelve brave and hardy souls will undertake a gruelling bicycle tour from Slane to Newry return, a total distance of approx.120 miles they will be joined by some members of the Slieved Gullion Wheelers cycling club, South Armagh The main aim of this initiative is to raise awareness of suicide on both sides of the border, and to also raise the profile of PIPS Newry & Mourne in the North and SOSAD Ireland in the South. This is a unique event but is not the first collaboration between SOSAD Ireland and PIPS Newry & Mourne, and it will not be the last as these two charities will continue to work together to raise awareness and try to prevent suicide on both sides of the border.

This cycle is being held in memory of those that have died by suicide and a number of participants are those that have lost someone to suicide. It is a terrific and very positive response from the families of suicide victims, and hopefully this project will help them all cope with their tragic loss and it has definitely given them something to focus on for the last few months. If you happen to come across this tour please be considerate and give them all your best wishes and support.

On Saturday the 6th of June the cyclists will leave Slane Village and head for Newry via Collon, Dunleer, Dundalk, Carlingford and Omeath. They should arrive in the PIPS Newry & Mourne offices in Newry in time for the reception PIPS Newry & Mourne are hosting for the cyclists at 4pm. and this stage of the cycle will be welcomed by Lord Mayor Colman Burns On Sunday the 7th of June the cyclists will leave Newry at 9am heading back to Slane, going through Cullaville, Crossmaglen, Castleblaney and Ardee. They will be accompanied part of the way by the Slieved Gullion Wheelers They hope to arrive in the Boyne Valley Inn Slane between 3pm and 4pm where they will be welcomed back by all their families and friends and there will be a party with live music to thank them for all their efforts. Good luck to them all.