It's Ok not to be OK

Breifne as he cycles around the world

Imagine the physical torture of completing a Tour de France while baking under the Mediterranean sun. Now imagine having cycled the equivalent of the Tour de France 10 times. An old football friend of mine is currently cycling around the world as part of the World Cycle Race to raise aware for suicide prevention, mental health and depression. He is spreading the message that “It’s ok not to be ok”. Breifne Early is a Leitrim native. He set off on his journey in March 2014 from London. As of 19^th May he has covered a total distance of 25,795km with just over 3,100km remaining.

In 2012 Breifne got involved with the Cycle Against Suicide, an organisation raising awareness for suicide prevention. In April, their annual two week cycle around took place and Breifne was keen to show that this was where it all started for him. “I got involved with the organisation and after spending time on the bike I realised that I wanted to spread the message worldwide that Its Ok not to be ok. Mental health is a cause close to Breifne’s heart. In October 2010 Breifne decided to set himself 10 challenges to achieve following a battle with depression. This started a blog know as Challenge Ten.  Following the completion of the initial 10 challenges he set his sights on his most ambitious challenge yet.

Breifne in Sydney

I have followed his progress closely and as a result I took a keen interest when I saw his intended route to travel through Spain. I got in touch and explained that I was in a small town outside Madrid and we arranged to meet in Alpedrete .   Inspiration is a word used often used lightly.  Depression can have debilitating consequences and for some sufferers it can be impossible to get out of bed in the morning. To find the motivation to complete a solo cycle around the world is nothing short of remarkable. What is even more remarkable is his enduring enthusiasm for the race despite having been on the saddle for 13 months. Breifne hopes to complete his journey in London on 4^th of July.  It is by sharing his story with people along the way that Breifne is helping to spread the message that “It’s ok not to be ok”.

Breifne and I in Alpedrete