Wheely big library cycle challenge completed successfully!

Suffolk Libraries, the charity which runs the county’s library service, is congratulating Corrin Eaton for his successful epic 300-mile fundraising cycle ride covering all 44 of the county’s libraries.

Corrin undertook the challenge this weekend with support from fellow members of Chantry Library’s Men’s Group. Starting on Saturday 7 May Corrin embarked on a three-day biking and camping round-trip adventure from Chantry Library, visiting all of Suffolk’s 44 libraries and two mobile libraries, finishing back at Chantry Library on Monday 9 May.

Corrin undertook the challenge to help raise funds to support Suffolk Libraries and draw attention to the many ways in which the organisation helps to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing and tackle loneliness in the community.

The cycle ride also helped to raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness Week (9 - 15 May), which this year is themed around tackling loneliness.

The Men Can Talk social group at Chantry Library was started to raise awareness of the importance of men seeking mental health and wellbeing support to help end the stigma around men's mental health.

Corrin competes professionally in martial arts but as his gym is in London he was keen to take on a new challenge. He said:

“I didn’t realise how much libraries do for the community and how important fundraising is. I know from experience now how important they are.

“I would say it’s one of the toughest challenges I’ve done, not just physically but mentally as well. All in all it was good, but I couldn’t have done it without the team.”

Julie Long, Suffolk Libraries Fundraising Manager, said:

"I am blown away by the phenomenal efforts of Corrin and the Men Can Talk group and by the tenacity of Vicki, the Chantry Library manager. I first mentioned the idea in jest having no idea Corrin would run, or should I say ride with it, in the way he did, ably supported by his team of course!

"So far, he has raised a fantastic £540 for Suffolk Libraries and the work we do supporting wellbeing. Whilst Corrin has done all the pedalling, the challenge wouldn’t have been possible without the help of his team, our supporters Inchcape BMW Ipswich and all the other people who’ve helped over the weekend.

"What staggers me the most is that less than 24 hours after finishing the challenge, the group are already asking about doing the Skyline London to Brighton ride for us in September and planning a repeat of the 300 mile tour de Suffolk Libraries for 2023!”

You can still support and sponsor Corrin by donating to the People's Fundraising page.

Suffolk Libraries would like to thank sponsors Inchcape BMW Ipswich for providing the support vehicle, Suffolk Police for donating a backup bike which the Men Can Talk group can use for future challenges, and to The Hollies in Kessingland and Ling's Meadow in Diss for providing camping pitches.