Rathkenny racing team supports Samaritans’ work

Ballymena Samaritans were privileged to be able to attend the recent Adelaide Black Horse Motorcycle Festival, with Rathkenny Track and Enduro Bikesport, at Belfast’s King’s Hall.
Veronika Hankocyová and Michal 'Indi' Dokoupil, Rathkenny Track and Enduros team riders support Samaritans by displaying the Samaritans logo on their leathers and on their bikes.Veronika Hankocyová and Michal 'Indi' Dokoupil, Rathkenny Track and Enduros team riders support Samaritans by displaying the Samaritans logo on their leathers and on their bikes.
Veronika Hankocyová and Michal 'Indi' Dokoupil, Rathkenny Track and Enduros team riders support Samaritans by displaying the Samaritans logo on their leathers and on their bikes.

The Festival gave the charity a great opportunity to raise awareness of the Samaritans service amongst a sector of the community, particularly men, who can be hard to reach.

Veronika Hankocyová and Michal “Indi” Dokoupil, Rathkenny Track and Enduro’s team riders support Samaritans by displaying the Samaritans logo on their leathers and on their bikes.

This helps to raise the profile of the service provided not only to the general public in Northern Ireland but further afield with Veronika and Indi competing in the CZ Championship; Indi also competes in races in Macau, Japan, Ireland and the Isle of Man TT races.

Veronika said “I think that the use of social media makes this generation think that they are safe but they need to have an outlet where they can talk in confidence. The Samaritans service is needed at this time of economic crisis as they give you an outlet where you can talk in confidence and safety”.

Michal “Indi” Dokoupil stated that he had researched the Samaritans service on the website before making a decision to support the charity.

“The volunteers do so much without expecting anything in return. Motosport competitors appear tough but they need this service as there is a lot of stress in the sport.”

Talking can be a great relief it is because Samaritans recognise this that they offer to be there to listen 24hrs 7 days a week. Phone them on 08457 90 90 90.

If you would like to help raise funds for the Ballymena branch you could take part in a Firewalk on Friday 14 March 2014 at the Big House, Crankill Road, Ballymena. Everyone is welcome, so why not come along and have some fun. Participants should be over 14.

If you would like more information please visit www.facebook.com/samaritans.ballymena or via e-mail [email protected]