Cycling enthusiast creates mental health documentary featuring 'inspirational men' overcoming adversity

A six-month project has seen Solent University graduate Harrison Read speak to a selection of avid cyclists from a variety of backgrounds to create Braking The Cycle.

The idea began when Harrison, 23, was struggling with his mental health through lockdown.

He looked to buy a bike, and met retired engineer Peter Wallbank, who was fixing up unwanted bikes and selling them to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK after overcoming the disease two years ago.

Former Waterlooville resident Harrison, who now lives in Southampton, said: ‘It's safe to say cycling made a huge impact on my mental health and it quickly became a lifeline to me. I was quickly racking up the miles cycling around Waterlooville and surrounding areas.

‘I knew that I definitely wasn't the only person that had reaped the benefits of the bicycle, so I wanted to document myself and others in the form of a documentary.’

Harrison’s research for the project showed cycling has many benefits to mental and physical health, and he wanted to ‘brake the cycle’ of stigma around mental health, particularly in men.

He said: ‘I believe the crisis we are facing as a society will translate to a significant rise in men struggling with their mental health.

‘For that reason I wanted to use my own experiences and those of the storytellers to normalise having conversations about it.’

Harrison’s film features 71-year-old Peter from Cowplain talking about his time fixing up bicycles for charity.

Another key interviewee was Jim Tyson from Curdridge, who was involved in a road traffic accident two years ago which left him with life-changing injuries.

National cycling charity Wheels For All, which also features in the film, are helping the 25-year-old to try out a specialist hand cycle and report any changes in his mental and physical health.

SEE ALSO: Popular family destination Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary set for spooky theme as it opens to guests over Halloween weekend

One segment visits journalist Ellis Palmer, from Liverpool, who took up cycling following the lockdown.

Ellis, who has cerebral palsy, uses a hand cycle and has inspired people to become active during lockdown.

Experienced mental health speaker Peter Larkum, from Winchester, also features in the documentary to talk about reducing the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health and encouraging people to ask for support.

In the conclusion of the film, important messages about cycling and mental health are shared by Southampton City Council member for stronger communities, Cllr Dave Shields, and Cllr Steve Leggett, who covers green city and place for Southampton.

READ NEXT: Inside the new base that offers help and support to Gosport homeless people, veterans, vulnerable adults and more

Harrison said: ‘If i was going to describe the film in a few words, I would say that it's a story of inspirational men who have overcome adversity with the help of their bicycles.’

Cycling UK launched the film during their Lockdown Love Awards and it has been viewed by more than 11,000 in the matter of a few weeks. The 30-minute film can be watched on Youtube at youtu.be/u2pjUZGgcfk

Harrison has raised £620 so far to be shared between Prostate Cancer UK, Wheels For All Portsmouth and CALM.

The fundraiser was set up after Harrison’s bike was stolen, but he decided to give the money to charity instead. Visit gf.me/u/yqgd77 to donate.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as our new Puzzles section.