Family suicide tragedy sparks ride

Dave Glossop and Kate Smith are two cops who are taking part in Ride out of the Blue. Photo / Herald On Sunday

The memory of two Taranaki brothers who committed suicide has inspired a charity bike ride from Bluff to Cape Reinga.

Ride Out of the Blue will highlight depression and raise money for the Mental Health Foundation. Riders will cover 2500km over 27 days from next Saturday.

According to latest figures, 497 Kiwis committed suicide in 2008 - including 366 men.

Relatives of the brothers, Tony and Mike, want their surname withheld to protect the family's privacy.

One of their cousins, Auckland police officer Kate Smith, said she hoped the event showed suicide could hit any family.

Tony, a Sydney-based engineer, took his life almost six years ago, leaving a loving partner. Mike, 36, a smart, happily married father-of-one, took his life last April.

Kate said Mike had spoken to her about his struggle with depression after his brother's death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Glossop, who has dealt with many suicides, urged people to support riders at www.rideoutoftheblue.co.nz