Woman cycles around London without clothes to raise money for mental health charities

A bold woman is raising thousands of pounds for mental health by cycling around London almost n.a.k.e.d. 

Kerri Barnes, 25, cycled past London's Covent Garden, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace wearing nothing but glitter across her chest and a nude thong. 

After braving the cold and prying eyes from strangers on November 29, she has so far raised an impressive £8,425 for Mind charity, which experienced its largest ever increase in helpline calls during the nation's first lockdown. 

 

Kerri, a partnerships manager for a tech start-up, felt compelled to act after seeing shocking mental health statistics and tragically losing her cousin Carly to suicide in 2011, at the age of 20.

She added that during the first lockdown, someone close to her attempted to take their own life three times.

The news shook me to my absolute core, and it was a painful time for all involved, she explained.

I'm beyond lucky to say that this person is in recovery now, but my heart goes out to everyone who wasn't so fortunate, and everyone who continues to struggle.

 

Kerri told Mail Online: 

As we went into a second lockdown I was worried about what it would mean for my family and everyone else. So I decided I had to do something to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to raise money for Mind. My housemate joked that a naked bike ride would catch people’s attention. Don’t think she actually expected me to do it! The last three weeks of fundraising have been quite a journey. So many people have come forward to share their stories with me, so I am hopeful that by opening up a conversation that we can better support one another and save some lives in the process.

Asked how she felt afterwards, Kerri admitted she was 'very cold', but had 'the warm fuzzies that we’d achieved something really good'.

The support from my friends really carried me the whole way, she said.

Remember to reach out to your friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances and strangers. Be that support line. Your warmth could save a life.