Two submariners set off on a 3,484km epic ride around France on Monday [AUGUST 29] to raise money and awareness for military mental health.
Lieutenant Commander Darren Lunn and Warrant Officer Adam McCrohan will tackle the Tour de France route in just 23 days.
The pair have chosen the precise course of the 2020 race – 2020 because it was the year their friend and fellow submariner Captain Jim Simpson tragically took his own life.
His death served as the catalyst and motivation for the duo to hit the saddle, raise money (they’ve already hit their £5k target before setting off) for Jim’s Story – a fund set up in his name under the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity umbrella with the aim of preventing another person suffering as Jim did, and another family having to deal with such devastation to their lives.
Marine engineer Jim had shown no indication that his mental health was suffering and excelled at everything in life, from his career to his personal life as a loving husband and father of two.
“The news of Jim's death sent shock waves through the entire submarine community,” said Darren. “Adam and I hope our challenge will raise awareness of mental health and encourage those in a similar position to seek assistance.”
The riders will be aided by a two-strong support crew and a minibus provided by the Royal Naval Association to transfer them between stages.
To support the riders, you can follow their progress on Instagram (@tourdesubmariner), donate https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tourdesubmariner and find information on help with mental health issues at https://www.help-jimsstory.com/jims-story.
