Skateboarder's world record attempt to raise awareness of mental health to finish in Portrush
A skateboarder who is tackling the Wild Atlantic Way in memory of a friend she lost to suicide is set to complete her world record attempt in Portrush.
Becky Gilmour used to skateboard in Portrush with her friend so to raise awareness of mental health, she undertook to skateboard the longest defined coastal route in the world.
The mammoth task requires Becky to skateboard 3,000 kilometres, across the same elevation as three Mount Everests!
"The roads have been tough, there’s been a lot of falls but it’s been quite an incredible adventure,” she said.
"I set off alone on June 1 and I’ve been on the road ever since – incredibly I’m almost done!”
During her journey, Becky said that she has “slept in some of the most random places you can imagine” and has also paddleboarded to about 15 of the 30 islands she has visited.
"The most powerful part of this entire trip has been the people I’ve encountered along the way.
"I started this trip alone, pushing for myself and trying to navigate my own grief but so quickly people have drawn alongside me and offered support and help and they’ve shared their own stories and experiences with suicide and suicide loss.
"It has been heartbreaking to realise just how much we are impacted in our communities with mental illness."
During her journey, Becky has been raising funds for Samaritans. Her initial JustGiving target of £5,000 has been smashed and currently sits at £9,000.
"What I so quickly began to learn is that we are not alone and there are so many people who understand that pain and they understand what you’re going through. "So this journey has not felt like it’s just my journey any more.”
Becky will complete her world record attempt on Sunday, December 14 on the Prom at Portrush’s West Strand.
"For the finish line, we will start gathering at 2.15pm to complete the final stretch of the trip, down Portrush promenade to the end. Skateboard, walk, run, cycle – do it in whatever style you like!
"From there, we will head over to Kiwi’s bar for evening celebrations, a talk and a short video recap of the trip.” To follow Becky’s journey or to donate, check out her Facebook page or her JustGiving page.