Skateboarding Journey Across Devon Promotes Men's Mental Health Awareness
Image – BBC NEWS
Nick Harris, 45, began his journey at Ilfracombe, before travelling route 27 of the National Cycle Network
A man in Devon is embarking on a skateboarding journey to raise awareness for men’s mental health. Nick Harris, aged 45, is skating from Ilfracombe on the north coast to Plymouth in a five-day challenge that began on Wednesday and will conclude on Sunday. The funds he raises will be directed to a suicide prevention charity that provides training for skateboarding coaches to identify early signs of mental health issues.
Image – BBC News
The journey combines beaches, estuaries, and a view of Dartmoor
Mr. Harris, hailing from Ivybridge, has selected route 27 of the National Cycle Network for his 102-mile (163km) epic journey. This route offers scenic views of beaches, estuaries, valleys, and Dartmoor, making it an ideal choice for his mission to support men’s mental health.
Having dealt with his own mental health struggles over six years ago, Mr. Harris is driven to raise money for The Ben Raemers Foundation. Established in 2019 after the tragic death of professional skateboarder Ben Raemers, the foundation conducts suicide prevention training for skate teams, crew members, managers, and professional skateboarders, empowering them to intervene when necessary. The effort has already garnered more than £1,000 for the foundation.
In addition to his fundraising endeavours, Mr. Harris aims to contribute to the development of a skatepark in Ivybridge through Skate South Devon CIC. The project’s vision includes creating a community hub to work with young people and families, with a particular emphasis on improving mental health through exercise opportunities at the park.
The conclusion of Nick Harris’s skateboarding challenge coincides with Samaritan’s World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday.
