Life journey - riding to Singapore

Esme Moore is cycling to Singapore to raise money for the charity which saved her life

A young woman who attempted to take her own life is cycling from England to Singapore to raise money for the charity that helped her recover.

Esme Moore, 27, from Somerset, is raising money for Body & Soul, which she says helped her rebuild her life when it hit rock bottom via its You Are Not Alone programme by riding some 20,000km from her home in Shipham. Moore is cycling with a tent, stove and other necessities over 10-15 months, and is inviting anyone to join her along the way, on a route which takes in China and Kazakhstan.

‘Two years ago I was in a very dark place’, said Moore. ‘On Tuesday 1st March 2022, I attempted to take my own life. It’s been a bumpy road to recovery, but I am incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me. While my friends and family have been absolute rocks in my life, it is the incredible work of the charity Body & Soul which I want to highlight here. Their 6 month programme, You Are Not Alone (YANA) lifted me from a very dark place to a much lighter one.’

Moore says she thought group therapy like the charity’s Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programme were ‘cultish’ at first but took it on in desperation. ‘With their support I have built a life worth living’, she said. ‘I have goals and ambitions, and I have a hopeful outlook on life once more.’

Money raised will go towards therapists, volunteers, transport, meals and a helpline for Body & Soul.

‘Of course, the road to recovery isn’t straight, there are uphills and downhills, but I’ve now got the confidence to get through them. I’m sure you can draw some parallels between this and my ride’

Moore is currently in Turkey, 66 days in: Follow her progress on Strava at https://www.strava.com/athletes/29424784?num_entries=10

Esme’s charity fundraising page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/esme-cycles-for-body-and-soul