Comic who planned suicide now hosts a marathon gig to toast life

A comedian who was moments from taking his own life seven years ago is hosting a marathon live-streamed gig in celebration of positivity.

At 1.33pm on February 15, 2014, Chazz Redhead  was determined to jump in front of a train at Tooting Bec station in South London, but a chance diversion saved his life.

‘A woman with arms full of Selfridge’s bags tripped over on the platform and in the commotion I got distracted for a few seconds,’ he recalled.

‘By the time I’d refocused, the train doors were opening, and I didn’t know what to do so I just got on. I was actually really grumpy with myself and the other passengers were giving me funny looks.’

Riding all the way to Waterloo, he called a friend to come and meet him for support for the rest of the day.

From then on he has personally celebrated  February 15  as ‘Life Day’, in which he does all the things that reminds him of how good it is to be alive:

‘I spend time with friends and order my favourite food –white chocolate and Oreo waffle with Ferrero Rocher milkshake,’ he said.

‘I usually see some live comedy and I go through my phone book and call someone I haven’t spoken to in a while. 

‘Life Day is a holiday and a celebration, but it’s not about forgetting or repressing the pain, but about forgiving yourself and moving forward. There’s a minute’s silence at 1.33pm to let all of those emotions come out.’

And this year on that date he is hosting a 12-hour virtual gig, raising funds for mental health charities Calm and Mind.

‘I want to get everyone celebrating Life Day by eating their favourite foods, telling their loved ones how much they mean, singing, laughing, being a community,’ he said. 

‘Life Day isn’t about me, it’s about finding all the ways that being alive is wonderful, even if it’s hard, and that’s something everyone can get involved with.’

Comedians joining Redhead on the stream will include Olga Koch, Huge Davies, Juliette Burton , whlile audiences will be encouraged to sing, dance, take photos, and call loved ones.

‘I’m aiming to raise £1000 to split between the charities, and also to introduce Life Day as a regular holiday in people’s calendars,’ Redhead said. ‘Because it’s the best. 

‘But most of all, I want to have an honest discussion about suicide, because if we get awkward and shy away from the facts, we can never fix it.’

The show will start at 11am on Twitch, and the fundraising page is here.

Published: 29 Jan 2021