Veteran's parents pay tribute on World Suicide Prevention Day

The family of an ex soldier who took his own life has urged anyone struggling with mental health issues to reach out for help.

Noel and Dolores Savage were speaking out to mark National Suicide Prevention Day.

Their son, 32-year-old Brett Savage was found dead in his home in Newtownards.

He had been suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in Afghanistan.

His mother Dolores Savage paid tribute to her son:

"Well Brett had a lot of struggles with mental health, he had PTSD.

"He would lock himself away for maybe two days, just didn't want to speak or talk to anyone.

"And then he would come round and say 'mum what's for tea?'

"He was just a great person."

Dolores told Downtown Cool FM Brett had worked hard to try and overcome his struggles:

"He could be walking down the street, sitting somewhere, a noise, a smell anything and it would just trigger it off.

"He was in town one day and there was a bang and he jumped to the ground and there was a bang and he jumped to the ground, he thought it was a gun shooting at him.

"It would just be something as simple as that, he had no control over it and it would just go away as quickly as it came."

Brett was well known for his work with local charity Beyond the Battlefield.

It provides help and support for ex soldiers.

His friend and colleague, 35-year-old Paul Johnston served with him in Afghanistan.

As part of the Royal Irish regiment they both survived the siege of Musa Qala in 2006.

Paul told Downtown Cool FM Brett was 'always the joker:'

"I came to know Brett in 2005.

"Back then he was just like anybody else, he just always liked to laugh.

"That's how he used to get through the dark times, juts rake people.

"You'd be sitting with bombs going off and stuff and he'd always have time for a joke."

If you or anyone you know is in distress or despair call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or Samaritans on 116 123

Or click here to find other help and support services