Dave's Big Ride

Aim: Cycling from the Isle of Wight to Sheffield to raise awareness and money for Men's Mental Health

Dave’s Big Ride

On the 29th of September 2025, Dave Walters will leave the Isle of Wight to cycle 250 miles to Sheffield in South Yorkshire.

This ride was born from heartbreak, but it’s powered by love, purpose, and the belief that something better is possible.

Dave’s brother, Steve, was a friend. One of those men who left a mark just by being around. His sudden death by suicide in January 2023 at the age of 45 was an unbearable tragedy for his family and had a far-reaching impact on his many friends on the Isle of Wight.

When Men Only IOW took over the shop that would become our walk-in centre, we named it Rodger & Steve’s Place, both of whom were personal friends, well-loved local men, and taken too soon. For us, their names on the window remind us of them every day, and for the men who continuously walk through our door, we are the beacon that wasn’t available for Steve.

Dave pops in every week. He’s a massive support to us, and a well-loved member of our little family.

Now, Dave wants to do more—something bigger.

He’s cycling up the country to raise awareness and money.

Dave wants to raise awareness on:

Men’s mental health in the UK is in bad shape. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, but most men don’t talk about how they feel. They keep things in, even when they’re not coping. That silence is costing lives, and the number of male suicides is going up.

Support is available, but it’s not always easy to find, and many men don’t think it’s intended for them. What we need are places where men can turn up, be themselves, and not have to pretend they’re fine. Somewhere they can talk if they want to—or just not feel alone.

Dave wants to raise money for:

Rodger & Steve’s Place is a walk-in centre in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. It’s for the men who feel like there’s nowhere else to go. It’s now seeing more than 500 visits from men every month. In July, we’re opening a second space—for Women Only.

Rodger & Steve’s is more than just a place on the High Street. We work with employers across the Island too, bringing support directly into local workplaces.

But keeping it running isn’t easy. It takes more than belief—it takes support from the community. Demand is growing, and we need help to keep up.

And so Dave is getting on his bike.

The Route – 5 Days, 250 Miles

• Day 1: Southampton to Swindon
• Day 2: Swindon to Stratford-upon-Avon
• Day 3: Stratford-upon-Avon to Leicester
• Day 4: Leicester to Nottingham
• Day 5: Nottingham to Sheffield

 Every mile he rides is for the men we lost—and the ones still here, still trying, still holding on.

How You Can Help

Dave, the team at Men Only, and all those we support are offering you an opportunity to be a part of this journey.

Investing in your community is more than charity—it’s a lifeline.

A hot meal. A place to breathe. It’s support for your neighbours—seen and unseen.

When you give, you hold the door open for others to find warmth, receive help, and discover hope.

Rodger & Steve’s Place is your place.

You may not need it now. But one day, you or someone you love might.

Dave’s Big Ride isn’t a vanity challenge. It’s a mission, born of love and loss.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 25th September 2025 at 4:34pm