Becky Gilmour Skates 3,000 km for Suicide Awareness, Nears Finish

UPDATE: Skating enthusiast Becky Gilmour is making headlines as she skates nearly 3,000 kilometres along the Wild Atlantic Way to raise urgent awareness about suicide. With just 150 kilometres left to reach Portrush, Gilmour’s emotional journey is resonating far and wide, inspired by the loss of a close friend.

In an exclusive interview on Moncrieff, Gilmour revealed her motivation: “We used to skateboard together in Portrush by the sea. I wanted a way to process that pain and those emotions.” Her journey is not just about distance; it’s a heartfelt mission to shine a light on a topic often shrouded in silence: suicide.

Gilmour’s route officially spans around 2,600 to 2,700 kilometres, but she is pushing herself further, aiming for approximately 3,000 kilometres as she incorporates paddleboarding to half of the islands along the way. “On an average day, I cover about 50 kilometres in five to six hours,” she explained, often taking breaks to connect with people she meets during her journey.

The physical toll has been significant. Gilmour admitted, “Sometimes it literally looks like walking, but you’ve got one foot on a board. The downhills in the rain are terrifying.” She’s had to replace shoes frequently due to the wear and tear from her demanding journey.

Adding to the challenge, winter conditions and a recent chest infection have tested her resilience. “Being unwell and being out in the cold has definitely been tough,” Gilmour stated. “There have been times where I’ve been waking up in the night because I’m struggling to breathe.” Yet, despite these obstacles, the kindness of strangers has provided crucial support. “Recently I haven’t had to carry [my backpack] so much, which I’m really, really grateful for.”

As she nears the finish line, excitement is building. Gilmour is inviting the community to join her for the final stretch. “I’m having people come out and join me now, which is amazing. We’re hoping to do a big finish line so everyone can come down and join for the last stretch,” she shared. “No matter how they want to do it—walk, cycle, or skate—we’ll get everyone involved.”

Becky Gilmour’s journey along the Wild Atlantic Way is not just about skateboarding; it’s a powerful statement on mental health awareness and the importance of discussing suicide. With her determination and community support, she is making waves in both the skateboarding world and mental health advocacy.

Stay tuned for updates as Gilmour approaches her goal and brings even more attention to this critical issue.