Exmouth dad to take on cycling challenge for charity in son's memory

An Exmouth man is set to take on a cycling challenge in memory of his son to raise money for local suicide bereavement charity Pete's Dragons.

Patrick Neal, whose son Ollie died by suicide in 2021, will be riding 1,214km in just 90 hours in the Audax challenge from Paris to Brest and back.

The ride is described as "the world's largest and most prestigious long-distance cycling event" and happens every four years with over 6,000 cyclists taking part.

Patrick Neal said: "Following on from my mammoth London-Edinburgh-London cycle last year... I have decided to take the next step in these type of events and ride in the "mother" event of the worldwide Audax calendar, being Paris-Brest-Paris.

"Once again I am doing this, not just for the challenge, but in memory of our son Ollie, who Elaine and I of course still miss as if it was only yesterday that we lost him, and we both still struggle on a daily basis to come to terms with the loss.

"It is hugely thanks to Pete's Dragons and the sessions and chats with them that we are able to keep going, and we hope with their support to one day come out the other side.

"Please help me, to help them, to help us in this continuing struggle, and give generously once more."

The event starts on 20 August and Patrick's start time is 6.15pm. You can check on his progress online here using plate number J186.

Click here to donate on Patrick's JustGiving page.

----------

Whatever you're going through, Samaritans are available to talk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123 for free.