Cycle Against Suicide sees hundreds pedalling around Ireland

A cycle ride to raise awareness about suicide is taking place this week.

The Cycle Against Suicide cavalcade involves more than 800 cyclists and has reached the north with riders travellting through Co Tyrone as they make their way from Cookstown to Omagh before peddling into Stranorlar in Co Donegal.

Around 7,000 riders are expected to participate in the cycle which will take in 15 counties and cover 600 miles over 14 days.

Cycle Against Suicide was founded by Irish entrepreneur Jim Breen and aims to bring people together in a bid to break the cycle of suicide.

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Around 800 people die by suicide each year across the island of Ireland, with more than 300 in the north.

Mr Breen said: "We are delighted to be returning to Northern Ireland after being overwhelmed with the tremendous welcomes and support we received when we officially started the bike ride from Belfast last year".

He said they will be "reaching out to communities to let everyone know that its ok not to feel ok and it's absolutely ok to ask for help as we attempt to break the cycle of suicide and tackle the negative perceptions associated with mental illness".