AN 11-YEAR-OLD cyclist is set to complete a mammoth task all in the name of suicide prevention.

Biking fanatic Felix Cooper, from Penny Bridge in Ulverston, will cycle up and down Helvellyn on Sunday 26th May to raise money for the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

It was only within the past couple years, at such a young age, Felix found his life turned upside down when three close friends committed suicide.

William Cooper, 43, who is Felix’s father, spoke about one of the men who lost his life to his battle with mental health.

He said: “A former work colleague and friend Paul Thomas lost his life to suicide at the age of 42.

“He would regularly come round to our house for meals, and was a good friend to Felix.

“I would say Paul was the catalyst for our son to start this journey.

"Unfortunately, Felix is young and he was understandably asking questions to why three of his friends took their own lives.

"It was also very difficult to explain to him about a subject which no one talks about.

"I'm proud of him and he's come out this situation a very strong person."

Providing a helping hand, Ulverston's Ride Bikes have been sponsoring Felix for the past year and a half.

Jenny Nuttall of Ride Bikes, said: "Not only does he show dedication to cycling, he directs his passion to make positive change.

"Last year Felix also cycled the Hebridean Way to raise money for Cancer Now.

"But his attention has turned to help prevent suicide after his family's friends died due to metal health factors.

"Felix wanted to do something about it, so to raise awareness of mental health in both men and women he is taking on a huge challenge."

Felix is set to cycle up Helvellyn with seven others, including friends, his parents and teacher, all with the aim of raising money for the charity CALM.

CALM supports those who need someone to talk to, or who have lost someone to suicide.

Sponsor Felix at: https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/helvellyn-ride.