Family, friends and the local football fraternity teamed up at the weekend for a special fundraiser in memory of a much-loved Lanarkshire lad.
The fourth annual Alex Lindsay Cup pulled in an incredible £6000 while raising vital awareness of mental ill-health in young men.
The charity football tournament honours the memory of 18-year-old Motherwell FC fan Alexander Iain Bonomy Lindsay who took his own life at his East Kilbride home on July 8, 2018.
Each year the popular event focuses on mental health, and for the first year, the funds raised will go directly to Adored - a new charity set up by Alex's family.
The charity plans to use donations to fund mental health retreats.
Alex's parents Jill and Robbie are also in the process of commissioning a wishing well in Alex’s name at St James Retail Park to signpost people to mental health charities and organisations where they can get help.
Organised by close friend and trustee of Adored, Jack Smith, Saturday's event was the biggest yet, with 200 players in 20 teams turning out to mark the apprentice mechanic's passing in a seven-a-side group knockout style tournament at his former school, Calderglen High.
Making their debut, EK Thistle Colts lifted the winner’s trophy after beating Cambuslang Rangers 1-0 in the final.
Bonomy FC - an amateur East Kilbride football club set up in Alex's name which Adored now sponsors - were at the top of their group but were put out the semi-finals by the winners on penalties.
Afterwards an after party was held at East Kilbride Sports Club to thank all those who took part and celebrate Alex’s life.
Jack said: "It was a great day - it's the biggest turnout we've ever had.
"Football was a big thing for Alex, he went regularly to watch Motherwell play, and that's how we remember him."
Alex’s mum, Jill, said the tournament "as always" was a great success.
"The standard of play was phenomenal, which always makes for an exciting final", she said.
“It was fabulous to have teams playing from further afield - the more people who get involved the more lives we can support.
“Without Jack Smith’s drive, determination, tenacity and unquestionable organisational skills, this tournament would not go ahead.
“I will always be exceptionally proud of my boy Alex, but I am also deeply proud of Jack and all the boys who have continued to ensure Alex’s memory is kept alive.
“The charity is now in a position to focus on helping in a way that we feel will have a positive impact on young men suffering from mental health issues.”
Bonomy FC will be the first group of young men that will take part in a two day retreat on life coaching and positive mind set, run by Alan Syme from No Limits Life Coaching.
Jill said: “We hope that this will be a positive experience for the team and we will use the feedback to inform our next steps.”
The organisers of the Alex Lindsay Cup would like to thank the staff at Calderglen High for their continued support in running the event, and East Kilbride Sports Club for their hospitality hosting Alex's friends and family for some live music and a raffle after the tournament.
Find out more about Adored here.
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