Former Bulldogs, Roosters and Tigers NRL star Braith Anasta took to Instagram on Monday to post a heartfelt message in support of Suicide Prevention Australia.

In a post, the former NSW Origin and Kangaroos representative wrote: "17 years ago my dad went to work, unfortunately he didn't come home. He committed suicide."

"Not a day goes by that we don't think why or how we could have prevented it from happening."

"It's so very sad to say that similar situations happen to so many families way to [sic] often."

On December 30, 1997, Anasta's father Peter committed suicide.

Anasta has spoken about his father's death on several occasions in the past. In 2001, he told Roy Masters: "No-one saw it coming. My uncle Wally and my brother [Damon] found him at work in his panel beater's shop.

"He'd been missing all afternoon. We knew something was wrong. He never went missing."

Anasta's post ends with a call for support for the Plebs, Pro's and Personalities 24 hour run (PPP4SPA) - an event which will take place in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Adelaide in May to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention and mental health issues.

The event will see the Suicide Prevention Australia team pit themselves against celebrities, including swimmer Michael Klim, retired NRL players Nathan Hindmarsh, Petero Civoneciva and Brett Kimmorley, and MMA star Richie Vas, in a treadmill race over a 24-hour period.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. Lifeline has a 24-hour crisis support line to assist in suicide prevention, drug and alcohol use, loneliness and matters relating to abuse and violence. Details:lifeline.org.au. Helpline: 131114.

smh.com.au