LOSING his brother to suicide a devastating blow for Simon Harkin but now he is hoping to raise awareness about the taboo subject.
Phil Harkin, from Barnwood, died 12 years ago when he took his own life after suffering bi-polar disorder for many years.
After a tough few years brother Simon, 49, from Abbeymead, has decided to do a charity swim and badminton match to raise as much money as possible for the Mental Health Research UK charity. He has also channelled his thoughts into music.
He said: "It has been a difficult 12 years grieving but I decided to write a song in memory of Phil, called Into the Day, which is on YouTube."
Simon, who is a programme manager at Ecclesiastical, will be taking part in a swim race and badminton challenge with colleague Helen Black.
He added: "One of the main reasons for doing this is to raise awareness about suicide. I think there is a stigma attached to talking about this subject. Phil tried to take his life twice before.
"Phil was such a kind, loving and generous person. He left this life with very little because all the money he had, all the gifts he ever received, he would give to others. Phil cared deeply for others and although struggling with his own illness, he found the time to reach out to help people with similar problems, offering them friendship and support. He was like a magnet for them. In his good times he was lively, witty, chatty and the life and soul of parties. A family man. He was also very popular with the ladies."
Helen added: "Having had a family member also suffer from mental health issues this was a cause that struck a chord with me and I was very keen to be able to help raise funds for this charity with Simon."
The race will take place on February 25, to donate visit, justgiving.com/simon-harkin.
