Ultra runner Chris Amour rings Shandon bells after finishing 300km run in aid of Pieta

Mr Amour said he was alarmed by statistics from the Central Statistics Office which showed that, in 2022, a total of 500 people died by suicide in Ireland, 79% of whom were men

Chris Amour: 'I wanted to raise awareness for the men of Ireland that, yes, life is tough, things are going to be difficult and it’s OK to reach out for help.'

Cork City's Shandon bells were rung loud and proud on Thursday afternoon by Irish-Congolese man Chris Amour after he completed a 300km run from Dublin to Cork to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

Setting off on his journey on Monday, the ultra runner completed the challenge in aid of the self harm and suicide prevention charity, Pieta.

Running totally solo and with no support car, destinations including Carlow, Cahir, and Fermoy were passed through on his journey over the course of the week. Although at times gruelling, Mr Amour said the challenge was all worthwhile.

Mr Amour said his motivation for undertaking the fundraiser for Pieta was originally based on seeing the impact of suicide on his neighbours in his native Dublin.

He said he was also alarmed by statistics from the Central Statistics Office which showed that, in 2022, a total of 500 people died by suicide in Ireland, 79% of whom were men.

Mr Amour said: “As men, we’re very bad at talking when things are not going well. We like to bottle things up because somewhere, somehow, we heard courage is being able to just not talk.

“I wanted to raise awareness for the men of Ireland that, yes, life is tough, things are going to be difficult, and it’s OK to reach out for help. 

"I think more and more of us are feeling the stress, the pressure, and the hardship of life. So, I think now mental strength and mental health is as important as it’s ever been."

Mr Amour said that, by doing the run, he hoped somebody might come across a post online that could inspire them to take action on their mental health and they are going through. 

He added: “The phrase 'man up' has done more damage to Irish men than almost any other two words in the language. 

"It told my generation that strength meant silence. It told us that asking for help was the same as failing. It was a lie.

“The strongest thing any of us can do is open our mouths and tell another human being that we are not okay.” 

'Free, professional therapy'

Discussing his choice of charity, Mr Amour described how Pieta does amazing work for people suffering from the effects of suicide or from suicidal thoughts.

“They answer the phone. They run free, professional therapy for anyone in suicidal distress or affected by self-harm and for the families left behind," he said.

“They don't charge. There is no six-month waiting list, and they show up. Every euro of this campaign goes directly to them.” 

On Wednesday, the Government published Connecting for Life 2026–2035, the country's new 10-year, whole-of-government strategy to further reduce suicide and self-harm.

The strategy sets out a vision of an Ireland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where people have access to the supports they need. It includes a target to reduce the rate of suicide to seven per 100,000 or below by 2035.

Its launch heard there has been meaningful progress made over the past two decades, during which the suicide rate has fallen by 32% between 2000 and 2023.

For further information and for anyone interested in donating towards the Pieta fundraiser of Mr Amour, they can do so via idonate.ie/fundraiser/manupspeakup.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.