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'It toughens you up, nothing can you prepare you for it'
TL;DR
Storm Stacey, a 22-year-old motorcycle racer, uses his unique style to spark conversations about mental health after losing his father to suicide at age 13. He emphasizes that such a loss is unimaginable and prepares one for life's challenges.
Key points
- Storm Stacey is a 22-year-old motorcycle racer.
- He lost his father to suicide at age 13.
- Stacey uses a top hat to start conversations about mental health.
- He emphasizes the profound impact of his father's death.
- He believes no one can prepare for such a loss.
Mentioned in this story
Storm Stacey
Warning: This article contains themes of suicide, self harm and mental health
A 22-year-old motorcycle racer walking around a paddock in a top hat is going to stand out.
But that is the whole point for Storm Stacey. It's a conversation starter, a way to encourage people to open up about their feelings.
He was 13 years of age when he discovered his dad had died by suicide, and it has shaped his path, not only as a sportsman, but how he interacts through life.
"You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy and nothing can prepare you for that," Stacey said on the BBC Bikes podcast.
"But do you know what? It toughens you up. I could have gone down the road of drugs, partying, gone off the rails, probably be in prison.
"But what kept me going was motorbike racing. It gave me purpose and something to do, something to keep fighting for, to keep progressing and keep going."
Engines are in Stacey's DNA. His first rode a motorbike at just three years of age and he got a love of both motorcycles and cars from his late father.
A love of classic cars comes from his father, including a 1966 Ford Mustang that was handed down to him.
His collection is extensive and ranges from a Rolls-Royce, a Dodge Ram to a Ford Fiesta R2 rally car.
He was even named after a Lister Storm, a rare, historic British sportscar from the 1990s.
But, despite his love for bikes, Stacey had very little interest in watching them race.
When his dad suggested going to watch MotoGP or World Superbikes at Donington Park or Silverstone, Stacey didn't want to go.
"Even if I did go, I'd be pulling the grass out the floor and stuff like that. I wasn't watching the racing because I wanted to do it. I wanted to ride the bike.
"I got really jealous. I see people doing stuff and I want to do it. I'm not a good watcher at all.
"I'd say there is a bug to race, but there's more jealousy."
'People love it, it's my armour'
After Stacey's father passed away, his mum used "the last bits of money we had" to pay for his season in 2019.
The one-year gamble paid off. He almost won the British Superstock 600 title and earned a ride in the British Superbike championship.
"I said to Mum, 'right, this is one year, we'll do it now', and if it don't work out now then we'll knock it on the head.
"You hear things like the parents of Casey Stoner [a two-time MotoGP champion] sold the house and stuff like that.
"Fair play, it's absolute commitment, but it's too uncertain to take risks like that for me and for my family."
Q&A
What happened to Storm Stacey's father?
Storm Stacey's father died by suicide when Storm was 13 years old.
How does Storm Stacey promote mental health awareness?
He wears a top hat to stand out and encourage conversations about feelings and mental health.
What impact did his father's death have on Storm Stacey?
It significantly shaped his life and interactions, influencing both his sports career and personal outlook.
What does Storm Stacey say about preparing for loss?
He believes that nothing can truly prepare someone for the loss of a loved one to suicide.
