Charity cyclist to visit Thurso Samaritans
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THURSO Samaritans has been chosen for a visit by a long-distance cyclist as he rides the 1600 miles from Hastings, in Sussex, to the charity’s most northern branch – Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.
On his way, Steve Johnson is seeking to recruit additional Samaritans volunteers and to raise funds for the charity.
“Volunteers and supporters in each branch will be welcome to get on their own bikes to join the ride for a few miles,” he says.
“Our destination will be a café or pub where we’ll enjoy a chat over coffee and cakes. After the coffee stop, I’ll be continuing to the next branch while local riders may ride back to base or, if they’re feeling adventurous, could carry on to complete the whole of that day’s leg.”
Using a 35-year-old Raleigh Classic Tourer which he has owned from new, Steve travels on to Orkney following his visit to the Caithness branch in Riverside Place, Thurso on Tuesday, May 21.
“The Samaritans provides a critical lifeline for people who are suicidal, anxious or who simply need someone to talk to”, says Steve.
“Volunteers based in over 200 branches across the British Isles answer phones, reply to texts and emails, and speak to people face to face. Anyone who can spare 15 hours a month for this vital work is welcome to join us”.
He is asking interested cyclists to check out his schedule online and contact him to join “a stage, a leg or the whole thing”.
“The route to Shetland passes through 29 towns and cities with Samaritans branches. Where possible, I’ll be completing a shift in these branches listening to callers.”
For more details of how to join the ride or donate, visit Steve’s website at www.cyclingsussexshetland.com
