A man who was talked back from the brink of a suicide attempt on Waterloo Bridge will run alongside his good Samaritan in the London Marathon.

Jonny Benjamin was persuaded by Neil Laybourn not to commit suicide with an offer of a chat over coffee and being encouraged that "things can get better".

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After Benjamin was convinced not to jump, the two men went their separate ways.

Eight years later, they met again, thanks to a social media campaign called "Find Mike", which was the name chosen by Benjamin for his saviour.

They will run together in the London Marathon on behalf of the mental health charity Heads Together. While travelling on the train last year, the two came up with the idea and "got swept away in the moment", according to the Telegraph.

Benjamin was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder when he was 20, which led to him contemplating suicide on Waterloo Bridge.

"It's going to be emotional, very emotional," Jonny said before the London Marathon run. "But we're all in it together and I'm excited to be a part of it – it's a privilege."

Laybourn said: "When I walked past Jonny that day on the bridge, there was a fraction of anything about mental health in the media."

What is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that features symptoms of schizophrenia – including hallucinations and delusions – with those of bipolar disorders – moods that swing from periods of extreme mania to suicidal depression.

People with this condition endure schizoaffective episodes, featuring hallucinations and/or mood swings. They can live normal lives, but episodes can make it difficult for suffers to take care of themselves.

Schizoaffective disorder is not always a life-long condition. Some people make full recoveries.

Source: Mind

"Now, there is an article in the newspaper every single day. It's like an awakening at the moment, and it's so great to see that.

"Being part of Heads Together with Jonny, it's a really nice time of our lives together where we can try and push that message out there."

This is the first marathon for both of them and they are hoping to raise £50,000 for the charity.

Heads Together is supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prince Harry recently spoke of his mental health issues when finally dealing with his bereavement over the death of his mother Princess Diana.

The royals will be cheering on the runners. A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry have decided that the work of Heads Together will continue well past the marathon.

"Their Royal Foundation will be partnering with the voluntary sector to back new initiatives to help people have conversations and get the information and guidance they need.

"This will include new digital programmes and a major push on research and training."

The Samaritans provide a free support service for those who need to talk to someone in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Visit Samaritans.org or call 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visit this website to find a support phone number in your country.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, or any other mental health problem, you can contact a free support service at Mind.org.uk or calling 0300 123 3393 (charges apply).

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