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UWA research assistant at the Westerly Centre , James Quinton, has set off on the challenge of a lifetime by cycling more than 4000km solo from Darwin to Perth to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental wellbeing.

The Perth resident, who is also an accomplished local poet, will endure hours of solitude and gruelling pain as he rides up to eight hours a day for seven weeks in memory of his brother who took his own life five years ago.

“With the help of my family and friends, I am raising money for Lifeline. There are people out there who find it very difficult to get out of bed. Suicide is the leading cause of death of people my age in Australia. This ride is for them,” he said.

Visiting small communities, large towns and spending time chatting to road house owners and fellow travellers Mr Quinton will spread the message of honest and sometimes tough talk about suicide and depression that many people face but often hide.

“Cycling connects people and places. I’m looking forward to meeting some inspirational people on my ride and as I open up about my story, they too might open up about theirs.”

Not a stranger to spending hours alone in the saddle of a road bike, Mr Quinton has traversed the Nullarbor, cycled around Europe, the UK and Ireland and spends hours every day doing the one thing he loves most: cycling.

He is also bound to return with swag full of poems, some of which will hopefully appear in the upcoming issue of Westerly magazine.

He will soon arrive in Kununurra, before setting off for the gruelling leg of the Gibb River road.

To contribute to this worthy cause, please visit Everyday Hero .

You can also follow his adventure on the Ride to Prevent Suicide facebook group page.

Media references

Media Contact: Sarah Quinton – 0432 751 985