Neil Beattie is a Shetland-based cyclist taking on an Everest sized cycle and meeting Samaritans volunteers across Scotland’s towns and cities to raise vital funds.
Neil Beattie's fundraising challenge will take him from Shetland to Selkirk and back again, through some of Scotland’s toughest terrains on a two-week journey. Throughout the (roughly) 1200-mile cycle, Neil will accumulate a climb of more than 30,000 feet, higher than the world’s tallest mountain.
Neil's journey begins just ahead of Samaritans Awareness Day, also known as 24/7, due to Samaritans listening volunteers being here to support people in emotional crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
A fundraising page has been set up here where you can make a donation to support Neil’s huge effort and the vital work of Samaritans Scotland.
Having completed charity bike rides previously, including from Land’s End to John O’ Groats and in Vietnam, this particular challenge holds a significant place in Neil’s heart. Speaking about Samaritans as his chosen charity, Neil said:
“My mum was previously the Regional Director at Samaritans Scotland, and dedicated numerous years as a volunteer to the charity and their mission to see fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland.
“Sixteen years after first planning this ride, I set off on the 23rd July to cycle round all the Samaritans branches in Scotland and raise funds for this wonderful charity and the volunteers that offer people someone to turn to when they feel they have no one.
“Any donation, big or small will help someone with suicidal thoughts get help when they need it most.”
Neil is set to depart from Lerwick on the 23rd of July, cycling to the ferry port where he will set sail for the mainland to continue his journey down through the country to the Borders, then heading up to Orkney and finally back to Shetland again, meeting with volunteers all along the way.
When we feel low, the smallest tasks can feel like a mountain to climb. It can seem like the journey to feeling better is an uphill battle. Neil’s journey shows that when we break our challenges down into smaller stretches, we can make it through. We can keep believing in tomorrow.
By donating to Neil’s fundraiser, you are helping someone with suicidal thoughts to talk to somebody who will listen without judgement in their most difficult moments.
If you'd like to find out more about fundraising for Samaritans, head to our Fundraising Support page.