Bewsey man raises thousands for suicide prevention charity

Colm Farrell was loaned a special motorcycle by Honda in order to complete the challenge to raise awareness for his charity - Stamp out Suicide.

He began his challenge on Friday, August 19, and completed it on Wednesday, August 31.

Colm says he's doesn't have another fundraiser on the horizon 'just yet' - and who can blame him?

Throughout the mammoth challenge, Colm admitted that he 'didn't take the most direct route' on his journey.

Colm said that he went through Warrington from Scunthorpe, before heading down to London, and then travelling West to Land's End.

This is not the first challenge Colm has undertaken - in 2011, he trekked across Ireland, and then in 2014 started a journey that would last 11 months as he walked through all counties of the United Kingdom, which involved walking 4,800 miles.

Colm's charity, Stamp out Suicide, provides a free telephone counselling service - it provides weekly telephone sessions of 45 minutes, for as long as 18 weeks.

Colm took the train from Warrington Bank Quay station up to Aberdeen to pick up the motorcycle from Honda

The charity's counsellors are fully-trained and volunteer their time with the charity.

Colm said: "The bike I used was so small, and some of the roads involved going right next to big trucks and lorries - it needs 110 per cent of your concentration.

"I was glad to be riding through Warrington!"

Colm said that using the small motorcycle was one of the most challenging parts of the ride

He added: "We had a massive turnout by Warrington Motorcycles Club when I arrived on day six and over a dozen bikers rode the last few miles with me to the Warrington Irish club - where there was a great show of support.

"Jacqueline and Ste put on a fine buffet, and Frank the chairman donated £300 to the charity too."

Colm's ride has so far raised more than £3,000 for Stamp out Suicide - anyone wishing to donate to the charity can do so here.