A determined cyclist is preparing for an extraordinary journey across Europe to change the conversation around men's mental health. Martin Hills will pedal more than 4,000 kilometers to raise vital funds for suicide prevention. The incredible challenge will see Martin, from Summerhill near Wrexham, travel from the northernmost point of mainland Wales to the southernmost point of mainland Spain. He sets off at 10:30 a.m. on June 15 from the Talacre lighthouse.
His chosen charity is Men's Minds Matter, an organization close to his heart after his own struggles. Martin has faced his own severe mental health crisis and narrowly avoided taking his own life.
A Personal Journey
"Five years ago, I decided to take my own life. With support, I very narrowly avoided going through with it. In 2026, I am doing something to show men that they don't need to suffer silently and alone with mental health difficulties," he said.
"I am undertaking an epic bike ride to raise funds for suicide prevention specialists Men's Minds Matter, and to raise awareness of the mental health struggles so many of us battle with every day. I want to talk very openly about my mental health experiences and difficulties, to help encourage other men not to suffer alone silently."
After receiving life-saving support from his GP practice and a supportive stranger, he found hope again. Tragically, the friend who helped him through his darkest hours took her own life last year.
The Long Road Ahead
Martin's world began to fall apart when the pandemic struck. It affected his business and exacerbated the mental health struggles he was already battling. "I struggled quietly with depression for years, but it was after Covid that things got really bad. My mountain biking business was unable to operate for two years due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, and then a relationship breakdown left me devastated. I was simply unable to cope, and suffered an intense mental collapse."
"Every day was spent feeling isolated, pointless, hopeless and in deep pain, trapped in a spiralling mind. I could not forgive myself for what I believed were years of poor life choices which had led me down a dead-end road – literally."
"I decided that I had nothing left that was worth living for. I didn't want to be dead; I just couldn't imagine any scenario in which I could be happy or feel better."
Martin set in place the darkest of plans, considering every aspect of how he would end his life: "I made careful plans and gave a lot of thought to how best to manage my death. I came up with a foolproof solution, which I believed would be successful and reasonably painless. I prepared my house to make sure everything was in order. I drafted a letter of explanation for my family and friends, and made an informal will. Finally, I made sure that my remains would be found by the emergency services. In other words, I was utterly ready and prepared to 'leave', and was simply waiting for the right moment."
Mental Health Support
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website:
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5 p.m. to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organization supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Family Lives is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK's most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
A Turning Point
Then, a random encounter helped Martin step back from the edge. "Unexpectedly, I met a complete stranger who really did understand what I was going through, and who had also dealt with mental health issues. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger than someone you know – and before I knew it, I was telling them everything, and we quickly became friends."
With the support of Megan, the stranger who became his friend and his GP, Martin started seeking help. "I finally found myself choosing to look for a bit of support externally. My expectations were low, but my GP practice was amazing. I was connected instantly with a mental health first-aider, who was so incredibly supportive. And whilst it took some time, this was the moment at which I turned back from the edge of suicide."
"They offered huge support, placed me on a list of at-risk patients, and gave me a suicide prevention plan. I started seeing value to life, and, whilst still depressed and struggling badly, I no longer was obsessing over my own death."
Honoring a Friend
Sadly, Megan's understanding of Martin's mental health struggles came from personal experience, and ultimately led to her taking her own life. "Early in 2025, that amazing, loving, warm, caring new friend who had come into my life – Megan - took her own life. She had struggled badly for some time, but had seemed to become increasingly well and positive – so when we, her friends, learned she was gone, we were absolutely devastated," said Martin.
There are points in life where two roads lie before all of us. The loss of his friend could have taken Martin backwards, but instead it is leading him to Spain. "Meg's suicide was the final impetus I needed to commit to the vague plan that had been forming in my head – I would undertake an epic bike ride to raise funds for suicide prevention, and to create awareness of the mental health struggles so many of us battle with every day."
"It also represents my personal journey with mental health – and it will easily be the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken. The journey will take me somewhere in the region of 10-12 weeks – so I will be on the road for nearly three months… and yes, I do have a comfy saddle."
"It is very possible that without the efforts of organizations such as Men's Minds Matter I would no longer be alive – and I would dearly love to raise £5,000 for them if I can. Together we can genuinely help save lives. We can help men who are suffering and suicidal – men who are in the same place I was just a few years ago."
How You Can Help
Martin aims to raise £5,000 through his crowdfunding page to support this vital work. You can follow his daily updates on YouTube and social media platforms by searching for @my_singletrack_mind.
