Building up for Rock Bottom
DoorCo MD, Dan Sullivan, is putting in the final preparations for the Kelly’s Heroes challenge ‘From Rock Bottom, The Journey Back’.
This latest cycling challenge, which is raising funds and awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, is the most demanding yet, and will cover 1,265 miles with 57,000ft of climbing in 14 days.
Starting at the bottom of Gibraltar rock, a location that represents ‘rock bottom’, the lowest point in someone’s mental health battle, the team will ride through Spain and France, crossing into the UK to finish in Portsmouth.
Day five of the challenge will coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September
Dan commented: “As well as requiring physical fitness, these long rides are mentally exhausting. It takes a huge amount of stamina to get back on the bike and cycle the long miles day after day but for me, it’s more than that. Being away from my family and home for a long period of time is difficult.
“There’s a team of 12 taking on the challenge, some I know and some I don’t, and although the camaraderie on these rides is great, it’s a time when you need your people around you to give you the love and support to keep going.
“I also knew Kelly personally having worked with her in the early days of DoorCo when she was part of Glazerite’s customer service team. I carry her story with me and am committed to helping in any way I can,” continued Dan.
“Training for the challenge is really ramping up now. The team is just back from a weekend in Shropshire to give us some practice on the ups and downs we’ll be experiencing on the ride. We’re anticipating many of those!
“I am in a regular routine with my training now. Combining regular road riding and simulated challenges is great for the fitness we need for the different terrains we’re expecting. I even took some time out of our recent family holiday in Mallorca to experience some of the terrain, climate and altitude variations we’ll be facing. It’s going to be variable so we’re all trying to experience as much as possible before we head off on the 6th of September.
“For me this will be with mixed emotions: determination to get the job done and raise lots of money, but apprehension of being away from home and facing the lonely road back. It’s poignant when you consider what we’re raising money for – people that are so low they are considering taking their own lives. It makes me even more determined to help provide Kelly’s Heroes the opportunity to increase much needed resources at the charity.
“Any donation you can offer, no matter what size is greatly appreciated. You can support me via https://www.justgiving.com/page/daniel-sullivan-rockbottom2025 and also link to find out more about the amazing work Kelly’s Heroes does.”
