RU OK? Day founder dies

R U OK? Day founder Gavin Larkin has died just a week after his high-profile suicide prevention campaign clocked marked its third anniversary.

Mr Larkin, whose story was featured on ABC TV’s Australian Story a fortnight ago, was a former ad-man who decided to re-channel his energies into creating a national awareness day for suicide prevention.

His own father had committed suicide in 1995.

Mr Larkin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma in February 2010 and died at home with his family in Coogee on September 20.

R U OK? Day is a national day of action that aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with each other and help stop little problems into big ones.

“On that day (this year held on September 15) we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: ‘Are you OK?’” the organisation says.

R U OK? Day will be held again in 2012.