TOWIE star Kirk Norcross has revealed how he went on a five-day drink and drugs bender and contemplated taking his life after his dad died by suicide.
Kirk’s dad Mick died aged 57 in January 2021 and was found by his son who tried in vain to give him CPR.
In a heartbreaking new interview Kirk, 34, told how he turned to drink and drugs after being rocked by his dad’s death before getting himself straight.
Kirk, who has been clean of booze and drugs for 10 months, has just been announced as an ambassador for suicide charity Papyrus.
In his role he helps “10 to 20 people a day” online who are dealing with depression or thinking of taking their own life.
(Image: micknorcross/Instagram)
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, brave Kirk said: “Going through something as awful as that means only one good thing which is that you have the experience to help others.
“I have 10 to 20 people message me a day saying they feel suicidal or feel depressed. I try my hardest to give them advice without giving them too much in case it might tip them over the edge.
“It’s an honour to be an ambassador for the charity. If it wasn’t for my kids I would probably not be here myself. It’s a real honour to be an ambassador for something that is so close to my heart. I want to help other. I want to urge others to talk about their feelings.
(Image: mirror.co.uk)
“It’s amazing to know that I might be saving some people’s life. One woman messaged me tell me she was going to end her life the night before but didn’t after watching one of my videos online telling people to open up about things.”
He also paid tribute to his dad as he describe how he lay next to him after he died and promised to “make him proud”.
He said: “My dad was my idol, he was my hero.
“In some ways I’m pleased it was me who found him but it will be etched in my mind for the rest of my life. I tried to give him CPR but it was no good.
“When I realised he’d passed, I lay next to his body, kissed him on the head and said: ‘Thank you for everything you did dad and sorry for all I have done. I promise I’ll do my best.’
“I cuddled him for a while, run my fingers through his hair. I remember it was so soft. It was that moment he died I became a man. I knew I had to try and make him proud.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts please visit itv.com/helplines or contact The Samaritans on 116 123.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
