Sister bereaved by suicide shares message of hope

A Dukinfield woman who lost her brother to suicide as a teenager is determined to use her story to encourage others to open up about their struggles.

Helen Wilcox was just 16 when her older brother Jon, 27, died by suicide in 2009 - only two years after their mum had passed away from cancer. The devastating double loss overshadowed Helen’s teenage years and early 20s, leaving her battling post-traumatic stress disorder.

Now aged 32, Helen is sharing her experience as part of the upcoming Baton of Hope event in Tameside, which aims to raise awareness of suicide and reduce stigma.

“If people who are struggling read my story, maybe it will help them to talk about their struggles too,” she said.

Helen recalls the day she found out about Jon’s death. She had just finished her GCSEs and was working part-time at Ashton Market Hall.

“I was working at a stall when my other brother walked up and said he needed to tell me something in private – I tried to keep on working as I was afraid of getting into trouble, so he just blurted it out,” she said.

Jon had battled with his mental health since the loss of their mum, but outwardly he seemed his usual self. Only two days earlier, he had invited Helen round for tea, and the pair had laughed and said their goodbyes in the normal way.

“The night he died, he had packed his lunch ready for work and got his bike out as if everything was normal,” Helen said. “There was no indication of how hopeless and desperate he must have been feeling inside.”

Jon, she remembers, was “the life and soul of every gathering,” with a distinctive laugh that could fill a room. But like many men, he didn’t talk about how he felt.

“I would always say now, if you are worried about someone don’t just ask how they are – ask them twice. And don’t ask closed questions. Give them a chance to open up.”

Despite her own struggles, Helen has worked hard to channel her grief into something positive. Now a mum of one, she works at Ashton Sixth Form College as a bursary and attendance officer and is soon to begin teacher training.

“I’ve been through some dark times,” she said. “But I got through it by focusing on things to live for – looking for the positives and doing something for myself each day, even if it was just brushing my hair or putting on make-up.”

Helen also volunteered for The Anthony Seddon Fund, based in Ashton, which provides mental health peer support. The charity has partnered with Tameside Council to bring the Baton of Hope to the borough.

“I’ve always followed their work and think it’s so important to help people to open up,” Helen said. “I’m doing this for Jon. He was my best friend and protector, and always had my back. I’m doing this in his memory, to help get support to anyone struggling like he was.”

Between 20 and 25 people in Tameside die from suicide every year. On Friday 12 September 2025, Helen will join more than 40 local people carrying the Baton of Hope through the borough, as part of the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative.

The event will include a variety of activities at key venues including Portland Basin and Stamford Park, before a grand finale at Stalybridge Civic Hall from 4.30pm.

The Baton of Hope tour is both a reflective and celebratory event, designed to raise awareness of suicide, encourage conversation, and bring communities together in a shared commitment to hope and change.

Everyone in Tameside is urged to take the free Learn to Save a Life online training, which only takes 20 minutes and could help save a life.

For more information on the Baton of Hope event in Tameside, including full details of the route and how to get involved, visit:

Baton of Hope Tameside - The Anthony Seddon Fund.

Helen Wilcox, who will be one of 40 Baton of Hope bearers on 12 September.