Over 30 intrepid cyclist are setting off from Solihull in May for a 250-mile ride to raise money for a mental health charity focusing on young people – with a little help from a local recruitment business.
Cameron Grant took his own life 10 years ago when he was a 21-year-old student in London. Cameron's parents Evan and Carol, from Hampton-in-Arden, and his brother Alastair, set up the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust to encourage anyone in mental distress, and especially young people, to speak up and ask for help.
On May 16, Evan and Alastair will join more than 30 other cyclists biking over four days to Amsterdam, where Alastair lives, hoping to raise thousands for the cause.
They have been backed by Pertemps Network Group, based in Meriden, which was keen to support the endeavour to ensure the event goes ahead.
Evan, aged 64, said:
“It is a 10-year anniversary and we want to further raise awareness and funds to support mental health, especially in young people. When Cameron died, nobody knew he was ill but he left a letter describing a seven-year struggle with symptoms of depression which he hid from everyone he knew. In Cameron’s memory, our message is: there is always someone you can talk to.
“We do what we can to support local youth counselling, working with schools and organisations like Shine Youth, in Solihull and Living Well Consortium, in Birmingham.
“I’m not a natural cyclist but I did do a fundraising ride in 2020, from Morecambe to Bridlington, and found I enjoyed it.
“We have some training rides in the run up to the actual ride. We just hope people will get behind us and support this effort, in Cameron’s memory, to support mental health for all, and especially young people.”
The charity has helped more than 800 people who have sent text messages to Shout 85258, a free, confidential 24/7 text support service. The charity publicises helplines on beermats called Cameron’s Coasters, wellbeing postcards, business cards and posters.
Pertemps Head of Marketing and Sponsorship, Tim Jones, said:
“We are happy to be able to support Evan, Carol and Alastair in their campaign to help young people, in memory of their son, Cameron.
“While I’m not getting in the saddle myself on this occasion, we will be cheering them on all the way.
“Pertemps has always supported the communities in which it works and it is essential we continue to do so.”
If you would like to join the ride, you can do so at bit.ly/HiAMS-Red-Fox
If you would like to donate, you can find the fundraising page at www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/hiams or visit the website www.camgrant.org.uk