Tandem against Suicide UK

2123. Xani Byrne

Following Alice’s death, Xani and his family received support from a number of charities, and wanted to find a way of giving back to them. Xani had planned to take Alice out with him on a tandem bike, and so decided to undertake a solo a tandem cycle to both raise funds and awareness. Every day, he has been joined by a different person that has been bereaved by suicide, enabling them to talk about their story, as well as giving talks himself about the importance of supporting people’s wellbeing. Xani has now raised over £36,000 for charities including PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide.

In a personal letter to Xani, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 

“Through your incredible 3,500 mile tandem cycle challenge over the last 88 days you have raised a fantastic sum for charities that provide crucial prevention and support services, particularly for those aged under 35.

“By inviting others who have been affected by suicide to join you on your tandem, you have also helped them to share their stories. By listening to them and learning from them, we can do even more to help prevent suicide and support those affected by it.”

Tommy Sheppard, MP for Edinburgh East, said: 

“My sincere congratulations to Xani for his Points of Light award. This award is well-deserved recognition of Xani’s inspirational charity work which he has been undertaking in memory of his sister, Alice, who lost her life to suicide. Through his remarkable 3,500-mile, 88-day tandem ride around the UK’s coastline, and his solo cycling efforts, Xani has not only raised significant funds for charity, but has shone a light on such an important issue.”

Xani said:

“I’m delighted to receive the Points of Light Award. The concept mirrors my experience tandeming round the GB coastline connecting with people affected by suicide. Our countries are full of brilliant and motivated people!”

(Picture credit: Harry Knight)

See more about ‘Tandem against Suicide UK ’