Kelly Davidson loves this photo of her smiling husband Steve Bailey.
It was taken on Saturday at a gloriously sunny Ascot Racecourse, where her husband was a volunteer.
She said: “He looks so happy – the sun was shining, he was doing something he loved, meeting new people, having a laugh. That was Steve at his best: open, fun, full of warmth and energy.”
Tragically, on Sunday, Steve took his own life.
His widow, who is a business development manager at Kingston Technology, has taken the brave decision to share this image and story on social media to raise awareness of depression.
“Depression is real and often, it hides behind a smile,” she wrote. “If you’re struggling – or even just feeling off – please speak to someone. There is help and there is hope.
“Please, check in on your friends. Ask twice. Listen without judgment. Sometimes the strongest people are carrying the heaviest loads silently.
“I wouldn’t wish what I’m feeling right now on anyone.”
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 and Kelly agreed to BusinessCloud sharing her story so ‘hopefully something good can come from it all’.
Her husband had recently launched his own business, M8 Sales Support, and had more than 17 years of experience in the IT industry with resellers, distributors and end users.
On his LinkedIn profile he wrote: “Many proud accomplishments in business and life, still driven to better myself and always look to enjoy my time on this planet! If you’ve got to work, might as well enjoy it.”
Kelly’s post has sparked a huge outpouring on social media from friends and complete strangers.
Dominic Donoghue wrote: “Very sad to hear this terrible news about my good friend Steve. It was only in May that we climbed Ben Nevis (again), saying how great it was to catch up and be out in the amazing scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
“My takeaway from this is don’t bottle things up, chat with anyone, even if it’s someone you don’t know. Take that first step, it might just lighten the load.”
Rob Dimmer wrote: “On Sunday, the world changed forever. Steve was one of my oldest friends and adored by anyone who knew him, particularly Kelly, his family and his friends. This hits deep. If you’re struggling, even though I’m in pain from this loss – reach out to me, a friend or a helpline Kelly has so bravely listed. You’re not alone and we all have a future even if you can’t see it. Rest in peace my friend x.”
Help is available
Help is available. Contact the Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123.
Alternatively text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, confidential support by text.
For more mental health info and support go to mind.org.uk.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.