Chris Hall: Perimeter of Britain

Chris is starting from Movember's London office on the 11th July and will be covering
roughly 250km a day, with the aim of completing the challenge in 30 days.
He has invited other keen cyclists to join him along different stints of the journey to
connect over a conversation and raise awareness for men’s mental health.

The cause area is close to his heart after experiencing depression while working as a
young designer and architect in London.

It should have been the dream for a budding architect but the experience was soured by a director who bullied him for over two years, which he says, “was a big
starting point for my mental health issues.” Eventually, the stress led to Chris experiencing dark thoughts one night after work.

The next day, he knew that he needed to make a change and leave his work to
prioritise his mental health.

“I went into the office the next day and told my director, ‘If I don’t quit I don’t think I
am going to be here.’"

His work supported him and helped to make the transition out of the role as easy as
possible, and during this time Chris started cycling more.

He says, “That was the point I started riding the bike more. There was something
about the motion that felt good for figuring things out.”

Taking on his challenge is not only a physical feat but also one with a heart to inspire
vulnerable connections between men.
Chris will carry all of his gear with him and only stop for rest, to eat and meet with
fellow cyclists and friends.

‘I want to encourage people to come and join me. There will be a tracker where you’ll
be able to see exactly where I am. I truly believe that cycling has helped me in being
able to manage my demons in a healthy way," he shares.

Chris isn't alone in experiencing mental health challenges, across the UK, men are
struggling. One in five men aged between 16 and 29 reported having moderate to
severe depressive symptoms in 2021, and suicide is the leading cause of death in
men aged between 20 and 34, with three out of four deaths by suicide being men.
As a global men's health charity, Movember works tirelessly to deliver innovative,
breakthrough research and support programmes for mental health and suicide
prevention, alongside the cause areas prostate and testicular cancer.

Movember unites experts, funds bold new approaches, early intervention and
founded mental health tools Movember Conversations and Spot the Signs.
Last year, Movember launched its first Men’s Health Report, The Real Face, which
led to the government announcing its promise for a Men’s Health Strategy to help
change the face of men’s health in the UK because healthier men is a healthier
world.

Chris is looking forward to taking on the challenges both physical and mental while
connecting with people across the country.
Cyclists can join him by using singing up to follow his journey here.

You can donate to Movember here.