Sunday 12 September 2010
In memory of Pamela Tate who tragically died by suicide at the
young age of 31 years on 13th September 2009 after a
brave battle with a mental health problem, a group of cyclists, led
by Pam's brother - Fraser Thomson, cycled from Dumfries to Glasgow
to raise money for SAMH. To date Pam's family and friends have
raised over £16,000 for SAMH.
Fraser, Pam's cousin Bruce and their friends did fantastically,
completing the ride in less than five hours, and still managing to
raise a smile at the end! You can still donate to
support our cyclists.
Our Ambassador, Sir Chris Hoy, gave his support to the Team,
saying,
"I really admire Fraser's purpose and resolve in organising a
sponsored cycle with a team of 10 people from Dumfries to
Glasgow to mark the first anniversary of Pam's death, and on
behalf of SAMH I would like to wish Fraser and the team the
very best of luck."
The route had some historic interest for Pamela's family as her
great, great, great Uncle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a blacksmith to
trade, is accepted as the inventor of the pedal cycle, with
the first recorded journey in 1842 by his invention setting
off from his home in Dumfries and arriving at the Gorbals in
Glasgow.
Legendary Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree also passed on good luck
to the team, commenting,
"I'm delighted that Fraser and his fellow team members are
fundraising to help SAMH raise awareness of suicide prevention. My
"Old Faithful" might not have been around if it wasn't for Fraser's
Great Great Great Uncle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, who is acclaimed to
be the first to invent the pedal-driven bicycle. I'm behind you all
the way Fraser, and remember to tell your team members to keep
their shoulders hunched and tuck their elbows into their ribs to
help them gain more speed. Good luck."
SAMH is very grateful to the Tate family and to Pam's family,
colleagues and friends, for their tireless fundraising work.
Through all our work in mental health and particularly in suicide
prevention, we will strive to offer hope, encouragement and
practical support to Pam Tate's family and many like them across
Scotland.