This September, get back on the saddle to set off from the Rock of Gibraltar on an extraordinary journey of hope, resilience and awareness, in support of mental health and suicide prevention.
“From Rock Bottom, The Journey Back” is the latest and most demanding cycling challenge undertaken by the mental health charity Kelly’s Heroes. Covering over 1,265 miles and climbing 57,000 feet across 14 gruelling days, the team will ride through Spain and France, crossing into the UK to finish in Portsmouth, each pedal stroke a powerful symbol of recovery and determination.
The charity was founded in memory of Kelly Hewitt with a mission to save lives. Initially, the idea was to raise funds to support the delivery of mental health services through charities. However, Founders John Hewitt and Rachael Hewitt quickly found that what they needed to do was offer frontline mental health services, including free counselling and online chat support.
The Kelly’s Heroes riders have taken part in a number of high-profile cycling challenges, including John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2000, The Loneliest Road, across Europe and the USA in 2022, each one becoming an inspiring way to raise awareness and vital funds for the services offered by the charity.
The significance of this latest challenge lies not only in its distance but in its meaning. The journey begins at “Rock Bottom”, both a physical place and a metaphor for the lowest point in someone’s mental health battle. Day five of the ride coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September), marking a poignant moment of reflection and global solidarity.
“This ride symbolises what recovery can look like,” says John Hewitt, founder of Kelly’s Heroes. “From the darkest place, there is always a path forward. It won’t be easy, there are hills and setbacks, but with support, the journey back is possible.”
Deceuninck are headline sponsors for the ride, which will cover a huge proportion of the ride costs. There are also a number of kit sponsorship opportunities for businesses who may like to be involved. Sponsorship helps cover the ride’s costs, allowing fundraising to go directly into life-saving services. Sponsors will benefit from brand exposure through campaign media, rider kits, digital content, and meaningful alignment with our cause that really is making a difference and matters.
To find out how you can support, sponsor or follow the journey, visit: https://justgiving.com/campaign/a-journey-from-rock-bottom-2025
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