A DARLINGTON Samaritan is setting off on an “epic bike ride” this weekend to raise money to help prevent suicides.

Chris Hunt, from Bishop Auckland, is setting off tomorrow (June 3) from Land’s End in Cornwall to cycle more than 1,000 miles to John O’Groats on the northernmost tip of Scotland.

“I am not taking the most direct route but using quieter, traffic free roads where I will also call into Samaritans branches along the route where possible,” he said. 

He aims to do 75 miles a day and is hoping to meet members of the Darlington & District Branch at his midway point of Penrith next weekend before reaching John O’Groats on June 17.

Chris, who is one of 40 listening volunteers in Darlington who offer emotional support to callers all year around the clock, is paying all of his costs so that of the money pledged goes to the Samaritans.

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“Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide,” he said. “

The mission is to make sure there’s someone there for anyone who needs someone, to give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others, and to campaign to make suicide prevention a national and local priority. Together they make change that saves lives.”

The Darlington branch has been hit by rising utility and energy bills, but Chris has already smashed his initial target of raising £500 with donations already nearing £2,000.

To support Chris, go to his fundraising page.