A Perth cyclist has powered through a 200km bike ride from Mullaloo beach to Mandurah and back again to raise vital funds for Lifeline WA.

Owen Devine, 35, has been training for the past six months in preparation for the second annual event.

He joined about 20 people on Saturday’s bike ride for the second annual Mental Health Matters 200 charity event, with the group’s funds to be split between Lifeline WA, Mates in Construction and 20talk.

So far, the dad-of-three from Scarborough has raised more than $11,000 in aid of Lifeline WA this year.

Owen said he decided to raise money for Lifeline WA after he reached out to the mental health charity for help last year.

“I’ve had my own struggles and contemplated suicide, and Lifeline WA helped me though my darkest days,” he said.

“This event was both a physical and emotional thing for me. Last year I got to the finish line, and I was crying, I had nothing left in me – I was so happy. This year it was by far the hardest mentally.

“What a weekend – I left at 6am and got across the finish line at 4.45pm. My family grew even bigger from this year’s cycle, and I can’t wait for an even bigger event next year.

“I can’t thank MHM 200 event organiser David Graden enough for his help through my most difficult times.

“Without the people I had supporting me, and Lifeline WA, it would have been a very different story for me. My mindset has totally shifted.”

Owen reached out for help via Lifeline WA’s digital text service following the break-up of his marriage. He also struggled with PTSD and grief from the loss of his dad in 2012.

“I kept everything under wraps, but I refused to get help,” Owen added.

“In 2021, I attempted suicide, but someone stopped me. That was the first night that I opened up about how much I was struggling.

“I was hesitant about calling but I used the text service, because I felt more comfortable using that.

“Without them I wouldn’t be here today. It’s a great service. I was able to turn my life around. I’d love for more people to be able to do the same thing.

“We want to get rid of this stigma. We want to get the message out there and make a difference.”   

Lifeline WA CEO Lorna MacGregor congratulated Owen on his fundraising efforts for Lifeline WA.

“For Owen to raise more than $11,000 in aid of Lifeline WA is a great effort,” Ms MacGregor said.

“The money raised goes into training more volunteers so that they can answer more calls from people in crisis.

“Lifeline WA has answered an unprecedented number of calls in recent times and we are constantly striving to answer even more calls for help through our phone line, text or chat services.”

For more information and to sponsor Owen, visit: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/290070/owen-devine.