Burgess Hill man’s UK motorcycle challenge for charity

Nicholas James, who lives in Medway Gardens, will travel through England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to raise funds for Bipolar UK.

He has been gathering donations in charity pots around East Sussex, and has also set up a fundraising page online, which can be seen here.

Donations are collected at town centres, pubs, and motorbike hang outs, and there are multiple charity pots situated in high traffic areas.

Nicholas will drive around the UK on his motorbike to raise funds for charity

Nicholas, who will set off on his ‘Ride4Bipolar’ challenge on May 23, said: “The trip is in aid of Bipolar UK to help raise money and awareness, as a sufferer of bipolar myself I am well aware that the condition is severe and very misunderstood.

“Treatment is difficult and because of people’s misconception sadly we can the victim of abuse in many forms and discrimination.

“I know that it will be many years before peoples perceptions will change and myths like ‘we are violent’ are disparaged.

“However I hope that my efforts will aid in reaching a more understanding and supportive future.”

Primarily raising funds and awareness of Bipolar UK, Nicholas is also collecting donations for Sunflowers, a Hailsham-based mental health and wellbeing project.

Nicholas continued: “All money raised will be split 75 per cent to Bipolar UK and 25 per cent to Sunflowers to allocate to multiple other charities and aid in their continued fantastic work.”

Support Nicholas and his Ride4Bipolar challenge at gofundme.com/f/Ride4Bipolar, or find out more by visiting www.facebook.com/Ride4Bipolar-117509859654472/.