24 Gigs in 24 Hours for Norfolk and Waveney Mind

My name is Jay and I’m raising money for Norfolk and Waveney Mind in honour of Jon Seymour, John Brindle and anyone else that has lost their battle with mental health.

This year saw the tragic loss of Jon Seymour, a local photographer and pillar of the West Norfolk music scene. A vision of enthusiasm and joy, Jon was a kind hearted soul brimming with a love and passion for music which shone through above all else. He was part of the furniture and everybody’s friend. Jon was loved more than he will ever know but sadly this love wasn’t enough. Personally I only ever saw the happy… so when I received the news that he had taken his life I was filled with grief, sadness, regret. I’m heartbroken and can’t comprehend the gaping hole Jon will leave in the press pit of every gig. 

It seems all the more poignant to me a decade removed from the loss of someone dear to me, John Brindle. Again I had no idea John was struggling and he’d always been a hero and role model who I admired beyond words. The call to say he was gone was the worst day of my life and it’s something that has stayed with me and never really heals. 

That’s just 2 of the 84 men who each week lose their fight. That statistic is shocking, staggering and absolutely should not be the case! In 2022 I feel everyone, any gender, race, sexuality, demographic should be able to access help and support for mental health and this starts with us! Friends, family, the people most likely to notice the signs and be able to react. This can save a life. Just think about that for a moment… being an ear, making a cuppa, sending a text, just being present could be the difference between life and death. Nobody should feel ashamed to say they are struggling or too proud to seek help. Unfortunately this is often the case in the male population with suicide being the leading cause of death for men under 50 years old in the UK. 

I don’t want to lose another friend to suicide. 

Let’s change the narrative before it’s too late. 

This December I will be heading out across West Norfolk to raise awareness about mental health, get people talking about this issue and raise money in the process for Norfolk and Waveney Mind, a charity Jon proudly represented as part of the Mind-Aid event. I will be performing 24 times in 24 hours! 24 shows in 24 locations! No sleep, just coffee and my guitar (and more coffee). I’ll be starting conversations along the way to promote the importance of being open to talking and listening. 

I’m asking everyone who can to get involved. From local businesses providing a place to play (and maybe the aforementioned coffee) to those who want to watch, listen or donate. 

If you would like to discuss performances or further involvement please contact me on social media, email or visit the campaign page on KL1 Radio.

[email redacted]

www.kl1radio.com/24in24