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Chris Moyles dedicates time to mental health awareness after radio listener takes own life

Chris Moyles paid tribute to listener Alex on his show. (PA)
Chris Moyles paid tribute to listener Alex on his show. (PA)

Chris Moyles has paid tribute to a listener of his radio show who has tragically taken his own life.

The Radio X host revealed on his morning show that Alex, who won a a competition earlier this year had died a few weeks ago and urged anyone struggling with their mental health during lockdown to seek help.

Moyles said: “We have some very sad news. Earlier this year we were giving away the Mini full of prizes and Alex was the winner and we drove all the way to see him and his wife Rachel. We went and had a couple of drinks with them and we had a really nice time and all was well in the world.

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“This week we heard the sad news that Alex took his own life a few weeks ago. We’re obviously really upset by this. We send all our love and condolences to his wife Rachel and his family and friends. It’s a horrendous thing that they must all be going through. It’s terrible that Alex is gone, it’s terrible that Alex felt that was his only way out.”

Noel Gallagher and Chris Moyles backstage at the Radio X Road Trip Show held at the O2 Apollo in  Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday December 2, 2015. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Chris Moyles dedicated Oasis track 'Slide Away' to Alex. (PA)

The radio DJ dedicated Oasis’ Slide Away to Alex, which he said was is favourite song, adding, “Rest in peace Alex.”

Moyles then went on to urge any listeners who were struggling with their mental health to talk to somebody.

He said: “If you are listening to this and feeling like you want to die - it’s very important that you tell somebody. Support and help is available now, if you need it. You don’t have to struggle with difficult feelings on your own.”

Moyles cited contact details for the The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and The Samaritans.

He went on: “I beg you - if you’re feeling low, if you’re feeling like you can’t go on - I beg you! Please call them.”

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24:  Passport To Brits Week: Chris Moyles speaks on February 24, 2016 in London, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Nick Pickles/Getty Images)
Chris Moyles admitted he is often very silly, but sometime "you gotta be" serious. (Getty Images)

The usually comical DJ said: “Sorry to drag you down everybody and be all serious. But you gotta sometimes.

“The only other thing I would say is - if you don’t feel okay - it’s okay to not feel okay.

“There is no normal. Because of this coronavirus lockdown business it’s absolutely normal to feel a bit ‘Meh!’, especially now. Don’t go thinking you’re weird or strange or weak or not manly or odd or pathetic.

“Mental health is a very, very, very strange thing and it affects everybody.”

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.