David’s Sweden to Malta ride for Mental Health
Donation protected
Hi, I’m David Flynn.
I’ve attempted some crazy things in my time for charity but this one beats the lot. I’m from the UK and over time also call Sweden and Malta home. Each Country has its own charms but all three have one (maybe more) similar issues…Mental Health.
I believe every knows somebody impacted by Mental Health issues of one kind or another, some seriously impacting their lives and those who love them. So now I have an opportunity to help make a change (no matter how small) and do something to try and help those suffering with Mental Health issues and their loved ones in each of my ‘home’ countries.
So, I’ve decided to cycle from Stockholm, Sweden to Valetta, Malta, a mere 4175km (approximately), climbing the equivalent of 4 times Mount Everest along the route, covering between 100 and 170km each day depending on terrain. I’ve given myself 34 days to complete this challenge, with 3 rest days included, in order to raise funds for 3 Mental Health charities. I’m funding the ride myself so 100% of monies raised will go to the charities below:
Malta - The Richmond Foundation.
According to population-based studies across Europe, it is estimated that close to 120 000 people in Malta are living with a mental disorder. With a population of 535,064, (2023) that’s over 22% of total population. As many of these become serious there are reported 2-3 suicides a month in Malta.
In Malta The Richmond Foundation is one of the leading organisations that help those in need of mental healthcare. As an example of what you can do, they require €17 approximately per hour for Casual Contact Services offered by their Psychological Support Services team. They also offer training for persons to help initially spot those that may need some help, be them friends, family or work colleagues. I can personally recommend this training.
Sweden - Mind.se
According to a recent report over 45% of people in Sweden reported suffering from some kind of mental illness, ranging from Anxiety, depression to suicidal thoughts.
The monies raised will go towards training, supervision and coordination of all volunteers who staff their helplines. It will also cover call costs so that those needing support can call them free of charge, plus telephones and computers for volunteers so that they can communicate with aid seekers
Finally it will help the dissemination of knowledge, advocacy work and opinion formation around mental illness and suicide in Sweden.
UK - Mind.org.uk (not the same organisation as in Sweden).
Mental Health issues impact 1 in every 4 people in the UK. Mind answered 128,000 queries on their helplines in 2021/22 and require funding and support to continue to do so.
Unfortunately in all these cases there is insufficient government funding for the amount of issues being raised/ treated.
With all funds raised, I will split the funds equally between the 3 charities. If you would prefer to focus on a charity in your country, please message me and I’ll ensure it goes to your chosen charity.
Ever penny, cent and kronor helps so please help me reach my target. I’ll add progress reports during the ride so you can see my progress (and pain). This will be as much a mental challenge than a physical one for me, so please dig deep because I know I will be.
Organizer
David Flynn
Organizer