Brian PATTULLO

Riding to support mental health and suicide prevention

Sunday 5th May 2024

Too many of us know someone who has struggled with mental health, or worse someone we've lost to suicide. I personally lost brother over 28 years ago, but there are so many times when it still feels like yesterday... I can’t understate the profound impact that suicide has on surviving family and friends – the regret, sadness, anger, embarrassment, pain and so many other layers of emotions that persist indefinitely. It is only in recent years that I’ve come to appreciate and accept my own struggles with mental health, and recently even finally accepting that I can benefit from therapy. It is sad how many articles are out there describing studies of isolation and mental health issues among middle aged men, yet it’s a topic so many of us are embarrassed to talk about or acknowledge.

When I learned about the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), it resonated with me. The idea that a bunch of ‘tough but well dressed’ bikers around the world get together once a year to celebrate appreciated for classic motorcycles and raise awareness for men’s health, including mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer research and health services seemed like a great approach to reducing the stigma around those issues that affect so many.

As a charity, DGR commits 100% of donations to Movember, a charity with a 4 star 99% score per charitynavigator.org, and then receives no more than 20% back to cover administrative costs. So, I ask you to please consider donating and supporting my participation in this year’s annual DGR ride and contributing to a good cause that may just help someone you love.

Thanks in advance and be well!

Brian 

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Saturday 4th May 2024 On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.