Movember 2025

GLOBALLY, ON AVERAGE, 1 MAN DIES BY SUICIDE EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY.

It’s been a while since I last did any fundraising or supported any charities but I finally feel comfortable and more importantly well enough to try and contribute again. From 2018 - 2021 I was a Movember Ambassador, I doubt I’d have ever done anything without the support of Ozzy and the U.K. Team in London and their support was and is still invaluable. It feels really good to be able to do this again.

I could go into detail about why I had to stop and there’s plenty of posts on The Journal about what happened but this is far more positive. There’s no denying my previous approach wasn’t healthy but my experiences, what happened and how I got there are the same as many others. I’ve now found a way of coping and for the last two years focussed only on me and my health, but maybe I can find a way of sharing without putting myself at risk like I used to. I’m not going to put the same pressure on myself and I’m definitely not in a position to do some of the rides and events like I used* to but if I can support others or share their rides or attend their events then I will.

I’ve supported a couple of charities over the years and Movember was the first. I hosted talks, even went to the HQ in Melbourne. I want this November to be fun, I’ll make some noise and share some moments on my socials and hopefully raise a few quid along the way and obviously the Mo will return.

Be a man of more words. Stronger social connections can reduce the risk of suicide. That means more men talking about stuff that really matters. Those conversations don’t always come easy, but we’re here to help.

Some of my posts were at best a bit dark. I’ve experienced despair, loneliness, I’ve been sectioned and tried everything that’s on offer to help, I’m also the first to admit that I should’ve done more and talked more and used every imaginable excuse not to get help or admit I’m struggling. Finally now I feel like I’ve found my place and hopefully know what works, I’ve also made sure that those who are close aren’t afraid to ask what’s going on and if I’m OK and if anything call me out if they’re worried.

It’s a big leap wanting to contribute again and feeling confident enough to. I think I’m more nervous about being clean shaven than anything else, I haven’t shaved for about 4 years.

I’ve set up a MoBro space for donations HERE.

The video below tells the story of my first crisis. That year I rode from Biarritz to Venice, 2500 km and 50,000 metres of climbing, I also climbed 8 passes in the Dolomites in a day, almost 10,000 metres of elevation, in March 2020 I rode 4382 km in a month for the 4382 men that ended their lives in 2017, I was almost number 4383. Fond memories and incredible achievements, wish I was that fit still.

I hope this reflects a new me and the progress I’ve made and I hope other men will read this and realise there is a way out. The Movember website is full of resources and support and on the home page here you’ll find more including links to other support.

Thank you.

Nick Frendo

laughable but 48 hours after writing this I plotted a 480 km ride to see Jim Clarkson. London to Kendal in 2 days. Here we go again [hard eye roll]