Ultra cyclist Christopher Hall to cycle the whole perimeter of Britain for men's mental health

For Christopher Hall, cycling Britain’s coastline was never just about endurance. It was about starting conversations on mental health.

Chris, who lives in Leek, Staffordshire, set off from Movember’s London HQ on 11th July and cycled the entire perimeter of Britain. Covering around 250km a day, he completed the challenge in just 30 days. Incredible. But for Chris, the true distance travelled was in the dialogue it opened up around men’s mental health.

A personal battle with mental health

Chris’ passion for the cause stems from his own struggles. As a young designer and architect in London, he endured over two years of workplace bullying from a director. What should have been a dream role quickly became toxic, and it took a heavy toll on his wellbeing.

“That time was a big starting point for my mental health issues,” Chris explains. Eventually, the strain reached breaking point. One night, after experiencing dark thoughts, he realised he couldn’t continue. The next day, he walked into the office and told his director “If I don’t quit, I don’t think I’m going to be here.”

With the support of his workplace, Chris was able to step away from the role and focus on recovery. That’s when he turned to the bike.

“I started riding more, and there was something about the motion that felt good for figuring things out,” he recalls. Cycling became a tool not just for physical fitness, but for managing his mental health.

A challenge to spark conversations

When Chris took on his epic ride around Britain, he carried more than just gear, he carried a mission. Along the way, he invited fellow cyclists to join him for different sections, using the shared miles as opportunities to connect and talk openly about mental health.

“I truly believe cycling has helped me manage my demons in a healthy way,” he says. “I wanted to encourage people to come and join me, and to show that having those conversations is just as important as the ride itself.”

Why these conversations matter

Chris’s story reflects a wider reality across the UK. In the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death for young men aged 20 - 34. More than 12 men take their own life every day in the UK, on average.

These are more than statistics. They are lives. And they underline why Chris’s journey wasn’t just about the physical distance covered, but about reaching people where it matters most: in their struggles, in their silence, and in their need for connection.

On World Mental Health Day, his message is clear: opening up isn’t a weakness. It’s a lifeline.