Community Rallies Behind ‘Cycle for Suicide’ as Countdown Begins

With just weeks to go until Terry Geddis sets off on his extraordinary 24-hour Cycle for Suicide challenge, organisers say they have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of public and business support from across Northern Ireland and beyond. 

Terry will depart Coleraine on 19 June, aiming to cycle to Mizen Head in Cork, Ireland’s most south-westerly point all in aid of The Zachary Geddis Trust, which provides free, professional mental health support services across Northern Ireland. 

As the countdown continues, the campaign has gathered remarkable momentum, with generous donations and backing from local businesses, organisations and individuals determined to support both Terry’s challenge and the vital work of the Trust. 

Among those contributing to the fundraising effort are Lynas, Kingsbridge Foundation, East End FC, Maine Group, Coleraine FC, Zarion, The Dental Care Centre Belfast and the Bushmills Distillery Group, which has pledged a unique prize of a year’s worth of tasting tours to help boost fundraising initiatives. 

Yasmin Geddis, Chief Executive of The Zachary Geddis Trust, said the response has been incredibly moving. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our local community and business supporters. It is a powerful reminder that people want to stand together to support mental health initiatives and help ensure that no one feels alone. 

Every donation, every message of encouragement, and every shared story is encouraging Terry as he trains and will help us continue our important work supporting people who need our help.” 

Meanwhile, Terry has been intensifying his training regime in preparation for the gruelling challenge, putting in long hours in the saddle as he builds endurance for the 24-hour journey. 

Despite the physical demands ahead, Terry remains focused on the purpose behind every mile, honouring his son Zachary and supporting others facing mental health challenges. 

Adding to the growing encouragement, BBC Radio Ulster presenter Connor Phillips recently shared a light-hearted message of support in a video, joking that while Terry’s determination is undeniable, he may encounter “a very sore bum” on his epic journey! 

This will be Terry’s sixth charity cycle for the Trust. To date, he has cycled more than 20,000 miles and raised close to £50,000 for mental health causes. The 2026 Cycle for Suicide aims to build on that success and help meet increasing demand for services, which currently support more than 200 clients each week. 

Each mile of this journey will once again be dedicated to those lost to suicide, families living with loss, and those currently struggling with their mental health, reinforcing the campaign’s central message that help is available and conversations matter. 

As the start date approaches, supporters are being encouraged to show their support by donating, sharing the campaign or even by sending messages of encouragement. 

For Terry and his family, the ongoing support from the community is both humbling and motivating. 

“The support we’re seeing means everything,” said Yasmin. “It shows just how many people believe in the importance of this work and the difference it makes every day.” 

With momentum building and the community firmly behind him, Terry is preparing to take on one of his toughest challenges yet, carrying with him not only personal determination, but the encouragement of an entire community.