Meet the Co Tyrone man taking on a 24 hour cycling challenge in aid of a local mental health charity.
Stefan Smith, from Coalisland, was inspired to challenge himself for AWARE NI due to the impact treatment had on improving his own mental health, and wished to help others in a similar position.
"If I can maybe get three or four more people to talk to someone, that can potentially save their lives", Stefan told Belfast Live.
"I'm doing the fundraiser because I've suffered with my mental health for the last 10 to 12 years. Throughout those years, I've witnessed close friends lose their friends to suicide, and coming from a background in GAA I've seen other players taking their own lives as they haven't had the help that they've needed.
"It sparked me to raise awareness especially out in rural areas. I tried to think of what I could do to raise the bar and really get the word out, which is why I decided I would cycle for a full 24 hours and get as many people as I can in to help me out.
"During covid, everyone's mental health has took a hit, so everyone's looking that little bit of extra help."
His own personal experiences have helped Stefan realise the importance of speaking up and speaking out.
He added: "I started therapy just over a year ago, and doing that opened my eyes to the benefits of talking. 90% of men growing up would've been so headstrong, they would've just bottled up their emotions.
"After going through a break up last year, I decided I needed to do a bit of therapy to find out who I am, what I can do for others, and to get my mindset right and my own mental health happy.
"Working in the fitness industry as a fitness coach I help people on the daily, but that's more physical, not mental. I wanted to help people more mentally."
Two weeks away from the 24 hour challenge on December 6, Stefan has already passed his £500 fundraising target.
On the day, 24 different people will spend an hour cycling with him to help keep his spirits up, with Stefan adding that the local community in Coalisland have really got behind him.
"It's overwhelming," he added.
"I didn't expect it to be such a big hit. I was expecting two or three close mates to join me. It's spread throughout the community, and they've put their names down for an hour of cycling, or told me of local companies and businesses that will donate.
"Coalisland has always been a town where everyone's been close together but with covid happening everyone's even closer."
You can find out more about Stefan's fundraiser for AWARE NI and donate by clicking here.
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