Students get on their bikes in memory of friend
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THREE students got on their bikes at John O’Groats earlier this week and pointed their compasses to Land’s End in a bid to raise awareness about mental health.
Fenn Newsome, Giles Themans and Alex Hayton decided upon the marathon pedal following the death of their friend and fellow Newcastle University student, Marcus Colville.
Marcus, from Exeter, had tragically taken his own life last December. He was a third-year medical student who played rugby with the cycling trio and was also a talented musician. He had also been suffering from depression.
The idea of cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End came to the trio after they had learned that Marcus had previously done the lengthy cycle, not once but twice.
Fenn, a final-year maths student from Sheffield, said that Marcus’s sudden death was a huge shock to us all at the rugby club,and for everyone that knew him.
“Hearing the news that he had been suffering from depression was a surprise to all his friends and family,” he said.
“In light of this, Marcus’s family have set up a fund in his name – Marcus in Mind – to raise awareness and prevent this sort of tragedy happening to more young men.”
Giles, a marine and offshore engineering student from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, added: “The three of us felt compelled to do something to help raise awareness of depression and mental health.
“After learning at his funeral that Marcus had completed this very cycle ride twice, we knew it would be an appropriate challenge.
“We are using the social media hashtag #ItsOkNotToBeOk and we’re hoping to remove some of the stigma and get blokes like us opening up about mental health.”
Given Marcus’s and the trio’s links with rugby, clubs around the UK have been aware of the mental health awareness drive that they’re undertaking,
Alex, a marine engineering student from Porthlevan, Cornwall, said: “We have been in touch with rugby clubs up and down the country. Our aim is to spread our message far and wide and hope others may cycle with us.
“When we discovered depression leading to suicide was the cause of Marcus’s death, we couldn’t believe it. We had always seen Marcus as he was at rugby – a strong, witty and kind gentleman. After talking with more team-mates who have opened up and described their own experiences the horrifying statistics become relatable.”
The cycling trio hope to be arriving at Land’s End in a fortnight’s time and are hoping to raise £2000 for the Marcus in Mind fundraiser set up by his family.
To make a donation, visit the website on: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/for-marcus
