Since my brother committed suicide back in 1997, at the tender age of 22, I've never really felt strong enough to talk about it publicly or to raise awareness and funds on his behalf.

But, that changes now!

As a 12-year-old boy, you can imagine this was difficult to comprehend. It was the summer holidays, just before starting high school, and Lee was due to come that weekend for a visit and never did. Instead, devastation ripped through our family. Trauma is still very real, and questions are still unanswered. Everyone wishes they had an opportunity to help.

Clearly a troubled mind, helpless and feeling that there was nowhere to turn, Lee decided that the "permanent solution to the temporary problem" was the only option he had.

BUT, if you're in this position, and feel this way, know that there are other options. There are people around to support you, work with you, and get to where you need to be.

The Norwich Samaritans are there 24/7 365 days a year, and there's no pressure or expectations when you call or get in touch. I know this from experience, on a lonely day of despair when in the middle of the night I pulled over the car and made that call!

I want to raise as much as I can to help by providing funds so that others can receive the support they need at a time they need it.

I have a saying that comes up a lot when I'm with family about the "stresses and strains of the modern-day man". It is real. As men, we keep those bottled up, but there is a way to get freedom from that and speak to people confidentially. It's there waiting for you by phone, email, letter, online chat or face-to-face at their centre.

Please, if you are struggling, reach out to Samaritans. Fight another day.

Details are here - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

PS this is a picture of Lee around 10 years old, with the beautiful and 'happy' baby me

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.