Friends of Stephen Hall to cycle 212km from Warrington to Ballaugh on Monday
A sponsored memorial bike ride is to get underway next week in memory of a Manx police officer.
Sergeant Stephen Kenneth Hall died by suicide, aged 48, on 13 November 2024.
On Monday 16 June - Stephen's birthday - his friends, and fellow police officers, Ady Cannell and Darren Wylde will be taking on a 212km challenge, dubbed 'The Long Hall'.
The 212km is representative of Stephen's shoulder number (or force identification number), 212.
You may have spotted a few "212" stickers whilst out and about over TT - and even on television coverage of the event!
(A '212' sticker above the wheel on a bike during TT. Credit: The Long Hall team)
(A '212' sticker spotted at the TT Fan Park trackside bar. Credit: Siobhán Fletcher, Manx Radio)
They've described the challenge as "not just a ride, but the start of sustained push to break down the walls of silence, to get men talking, to stop the growing trend of life loss, over life loved".
The fundraiser was aiming to raise £2120; but that total has now nearly reached £3,000.
STATISTICS
According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2023, the male suicide rate in England and Wales was 17.4 per 100,000, compared to a female suicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000.
That was a rise from 16.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2022; and marked the highest rate for males since 1999.
Men aged 45-49 - like Stephen - were found to have the highest suicide rate, at 25.5 per 100,000.
It's statistics like these Ady and Darren say we need to speak about more.
On 'The Long Hall' they'll be raising awareness and money for charities Police Care UK and Isle Stand Up To Suicide.
The pair spoke to Manx Radio's Siobhán Fletcher about Stephen, their friendship, and the challenge ahead:
THE ROUTE
The challenge will begin on Monday morning in Padgate, Warrington, at the site of the now-redeveloped Bruche Police College, where Ady, Darren and Stephen first met in police training.
They'll depart at sunrise from Sergeant Drive - the former location of the old main building of the college.
The pair will then head north for 98km, through Wigan, Preston and Lancaster, before arriving at Heysham Port for the afternoon sailing to Douglas.
If you're on the 2:15pm Manxman sailing on Monday - you'll be able to see the challenge continue!
Whilst onboard, the men will clock up a further 85km on static exercise bicycles.
Once they reach Douglas Harbour, the pair will disembark and cycle along the TT course to Ballaugh - Stephen's final resting place.
This leg totals 29km, and will bring the total distance cycled to 212km, all in one day.
SPONSORS
'The Long Hall' has been made possible thanks to several organisations and businesses on the Isle of Man.
Ady and Darren would like to thank and offer support to:
- Aston & Williams
- Skin Clinic
- Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
- JW Coaching
- Ed's Man Club
- Police Care UK
- Isle Stand Up To Suicide
You can sponsor Ady and Darren HERE.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.
You can hear more from Ady and Darren in our latest Newscast:
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