'Bike ride-out in son's memory will be emotional'

A ride-out of motorbikes, e-bikes and pushbikes is being planned to mark five years since a local man took his own life.

Morgan McGlynn was 19 when he died in May 2020, and his mother Alison Watson said she was hoping to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention.

Organisers also said they hoped the event on Sunday 18 May would also raise money for Guernsey Mind.

A ride out was put on in October 2020 to mark Morgan's first birthday since his passing, with around 130 vehicles attending.

Remembering her son five years on from his death, Mrs Watson said Morgan was "very funny".

She said: "It was during [the Covid-19] lockdown, when all the TikTok dances were coming out and we tried doing them, we did have some laughs.

"He was a lovely lad, he really was; and it's awful that he felt he had to do what he did when he was only 19."

Looking back at some of her favourite times with Morgan, Mrs Watson spoke about a family holiday to Cornwall.

"I remember [the kids] doing zip wires through the trees and I have a photograph of him with the biggest smile on his face. And also running through [L'Ancresse] common with his step day and just big smiles all over his face.

"I miss his smile. I really miss his smile."

The aftershock of Morgan's death had an impact on the family, who have all been to counselling since, she said.

She said: "[Mine and my husband's] counsellor had been through it herself, so she understood.

"We try as a family to make sure we do things together and we just try to make a point of remembering him.

"I set a place for him at the table on Christmas and, on his birthday, I buy him a birthday cake. I work in a supermarket and I will talk about him."

The ride-out is due to start at Guernsey Pearl, Rocquaine Bay, at 11:00 BST and end at the Beach House, Pembroke.

Motorbikes will ride through L'Eree and Town, while bicycles and e-bikes will travel along Vazon and L'Islet.

"Anyone out there who has a bike, a pushbike, or an electric bike, please come down and join us, it means so much," Mrs Watson said.

When asked about Morgan's legacy, she said it was "bittersweet".

"I miss him. It's going to be emotional, I have to do it for him," she added.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or have been affected by Alison's story, you can find help and support on the BBC Action Line website.

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