TV and radio host Roman Kemp has posted an emotional tribute to his best friend on the second anniversary of his death. Joe Lyons, who had been a well-loved producer at Global radio for nine years, died in August 2020 after taking his own life.
Roman took to Instagram on Thursday, August 4 and told his followers: "I didn’t want to post this, but this is the reality for the people left behind. If you’re struggling, please stay. Don’t go."
In the heartbreaking post, which included a photo of a beaming Joe with a meerkat, Roman says: "How have I not heard your voice for 2 years? How have we not caused havoc in the studio or some dingy Soho bar? How have I not been able to call you to tell you I love you?
Read more: Roman Kemp shares picture of him in oxygen mask as he deals with difficult condition
"All I want is for you to be happy. Forever I will say that through gritted teeth, I can literally see you stood in front of me holding your hands up and saying "sorry buddy, I f***ed up". I wish I could tell you Tottenham still haven't won anything. Tell you how incredible and strong your family have been in changing the lives of people because of something so devastating. You'd be so proud.
"I miss you every time I walk into the studio and don't have you by my side, every time I need someone just to tell me how I'm in the right even if I'm not. Every time I think about my life moving forward I fantasise about telling my kids about you, about how my best friend Joe was the type of man I want them to be. It hurts so much. I just want you back mate... back to how it was. Xx"
Since Joe's death, Roman has fronted a TV documentary in which he shared his own experiences of mental health struggles and he's worked alongside Joe's family in setting up a support service called Joe's Buddy Line to promote the mental health of young people. The Instagram page can be found here.
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