Norwich Baton of Hope walk led by those bereaved by suicide

Jay Harrison said he had “never known pain like it” when his close friend, musician John Brindle, took his own life 13 years ago.

On Wednesday, Mr Harrison will be one of 40 people affected by suicide who will carry the “Baton of Hope” through Norwich, as part of the UK suicide prevention initiative.

The tour has travelled across the country to spark conversations about mental health and encourage people to seek support.

Data from Norfolk Insight showed there were about 90 suicides each year in Norfolk and Waveney, with men making up three-quarters of those deaths.

When Mr Harrison was told his bandmate had died, he said: “It felt like someone had set off a grenade in my living room.”

He described his friend as “larger than life” and always “front and centre”, not someone he would have expected to have struggled with his mental health.

Mr Harrison said: “The Baton of Hope really encompasses what suicide prevention needs to be across the country.”

The tour, which has been supported by Norwich Samaritans, is due to set off at 08:30 BST from the Norfolk Showground.

The day will end at Carrow Road, where a member of Norwich City’s first team will carry it on a lap of the pitch.

As part of the tour, organisers have arranged an event at The Plantation Garden, which is open to the public to offer people a space to reflect on their own experiences.

Mr Harrison now focusses his grief on supporting others, working at Norfolk and Waveney Mind to help those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

“People often think suicide prevention only happens when someone is right at the metaphorical cliff edge,” he said.

“Self care is suicide prevention.

“It starts with a cup of tea, it starts with chatting to your friends, it starts with dancing in the kitchen.”

Mr Harrison said he hoped the campaign would inspire more openness around mental health.

The baton is to continue its journey across the UK before finishing in London for a closing ceremony.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line for support.