As a train driver based at Southern’s Brighton depot, Andy Johnson knows the upset and distress suicides can cause; there is an average of one suicide every single day on the UK rail network. So together with some of his fellow drivers, they’re riding the London- Brighton Cycle Ride this September to raise awareness and funds for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably. This fantastic charity aims to reduce suicides amongst men, and offers help and support when it’s needed most.

“Let’s face it,” said Andy, “us chaps aren’t much good at talking about our feelings. We’re quite happy to discuss our bad back or a dodgy knee but when it comes to mental health it’s still a stigma that we brush under the carpet.”

Andy has been a Hurst resident for three years and is fiercely proud of the village and its community spirit. “I hope the community will join me in supporting this worthy cause and donate to our fundraising efforts.”

A lifesaving call to CALM costs the charity £8, so they want to raise £2,640 which means that for each mile each of the team cycles they will have paid for another essential call. His JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/brightontraincrew) has all the details of the excellent work CALM does together with details of how to donate. They’re already over halfway to reaching their target but need every pound they can get. “Your donation might help save the life of your son, father, brother or uncle. But whoever it is, they’ll be so thankful that you supported a charity that saved their life.”