Biking for better mental health

Screen Shot 2014-08-12 at 16.05.38Four local lads have celebrated the completion of an epic bike ride in support of Jamie’s Fund a locally registered charity. The boys cycled 986 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 10 days. On Saturday 26th July supporters gathered to congratulate Jim Devaney, Brian Devaney, Mark Devaney and Dave Griffiths at the Lock Vaults, Hoole Lane in Chester. The fantastic four shared stories of the challenge; reliving not only the successes but also some of the bumps along the way. The event also included a disco, entertainment and a raffle.

Together the bike ride and celebration raised over £1,700. All proceeds from the bike ride and celebration will support the work of Jamie’s Fund which works to relieve the suffering of mental health in Uganda. Established in 2013 in memory of Jamie Devaney who sadly died at the age of 4, Jamie’s Fund works with mental health practitioners in Uganda to improve facilities available to patients. Jamie’s mother, Avril who works for the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust as the Director of Nursing was asked in 2010 to build a link with Kisiizi Hospital in the south-west of Uganda with a view to support their mental health services.

Throughout the world mental health services are given very low priority, yet the demand remains high, and Uganda is no different. Jamie and Avril’s husband, Jim, accompanied Avril on her second visit to Kisiizi in 2011, and it was during this trip that Jamie became unwell and sadly did not recover. Jamie’s Fund continues to work closely with Kisiizi Hospital and is currently raising funds to build a new mental health ward. More about Jamie’s Fund can be found at www.jamiesfund.org.uk

The success of the bike ride and celebratory evening have brought Jamie’s Fund a step closer to building the well needed new mental health ward at Kisiizi Hospital. Jamie’s Fund would like to say a big thank you to all the supporters; whether they came along to the Lock Vaults on Saturday 26th July, sponsored the four boys, or gave them a wave as they cycled by, and of course to Jim, Brian, Mark and Dave for undertaking such an amazing challenge.

Contact: Kirsten Owen Community and Events Fundraiser Jamie’s Fund
Email: Kirsten.owen@jamiesfund.org.uk Tel: 07884 406440