Louisa: I’ll always struggle with the loss of my brother
LOUISA Lyons often finds herself replaying her final conversation with her brother. He said: “I miss you and I love you.”
She replied: “I miss you too, but I’ll see you tomorrow.” Louisa, 28, had been visiting her parents in Surrey while big brother Joe stayed at home in the flat they shared.
They had been unable to visit much prior to this, because of the ongoing Covid rules.
The next day, Joe did not show up for work, which was unusual for the popular Capital FM producer, a friend of DJ Roman Kemp.
Joe had taken his own life, aged 31. Louisa says: “I never thought he wouldn’t be here. There’s a quote that says your spouse comes too late, your parents are there half your life, but your sibling is the one person that’s there your whole life.”
Despite the devastating loss, Louisa and her family found the strength to honour Joe’s memory by creating a mental health charity in his name. Joe’s Buddy Line was established to provide support to students within schools, colleges and universities.
Louisa said: “I’ll always struggle with what’s happened. But the charity is an outlet that helps other people like Joe every day and what a legacy that is.”
Louisa spent much of her childhood in the company of her older brother, despite the six-year age gap between them.
While Louisa pursued her passion for geography at the University of Bristol, Joe opted for a degree in psychology and management at Leeds University Business School, then a master’s in Radio Production and Journalism. In August 2018, they moved into a flat in South London together. Louisa often finds herself lost in memories of beautiful times spent with Joe.
She reminisces about their simple conversations and the days when Joe would decorate their flat with his unique charm.
But Louisa is plagued by fears she missed some sign or chance to help Joe. She said: “Hindsight’s your worst enemy.”
Joe’s Buddy Line has joined the Here4You project alongside charities Mind, Shout, The Mix, YoungMinds and Place2Be to encourage young people to share their experiences of depression and anxiety.
Schools across the UK will screen a video hosted by Roman Kemp, on January 25. More than 4,000 schools and 35,000 teaching professionals will get the video, also available at mirror.co.uk from 8.30am on January 25.
I never thought he wouldn’t be here.. a sibling is for whole life
LOUISA LYONS SISTER OF SUICIDE VICTIM JOE