The family of a dad-of-one who took his own life following mental health struggles have paid tribute to the "larger than life" man as they urge other men to speak to someone if they need help.
Michelle Doran's world was completely ripped apart when her brother Gavin Thomas ended his life and died on February 11.
The 54-year-old, who was just days away from celebrating his 55th birthday, was found in his West End home by a friend before being rushed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he died.
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He has today been described as the "best big brother" by Michelle, 48, from the Ruchill area of Glasgow.
She told Glasgow Live: "I last spoke with him before Christmas and he hadn’t been feeling good. He told me things that I’d never heard before like him having anxiety going back 20 years which was news to me because he was always such a big character.
"When we got called up to the hospital we were sitting and the doctor knew which is why they called the family up. They said he is gone and I was like what do you mean?
"I was in shock and devastated, half of us thought he’d be found in time and would get better."
Gavin leaves behind another sister - Jeanie - and his mum Jean who lives in a house opposite from her late son and is struggling to come to terms with the huge loss.
Michelle added: "From my mum’s point of view you shouldn’t go before your children and she is really struggling. She has got to look at his bedroom window everyday.
"She is taking it quite hard. It is such a big loss.
"He was larger than life and full of fun. He was never serious about anything. If he could help you then he would.
"The whole Woodlands area is devastated and it makes you realise what a big character he was and what a loss he is going to be.
"He was a brilliant footballer. My mum had cats and every one had a stupid name and we carried that through to adulthood.
"We had loads of fun and laughed together, he was a brilliant big brother."
The family is now fundraising to have a memorial bench placed at Willowbank Garden in memory of Gavin - a place where they'd often socialise with friends when they were growing up.
Any extra money raised will go to Men Matter Scotland, based in Drumchapel, who support men's mental health and offer a variety of services including art sessions, bike clubs and talking groups.
Urging others to seek help should they need it, Michelle added: "If men are struggling they (Men Matter Scotland) are there and have a brilliant hub and offer so much help, it’s somewhere safe to chat.
"I couldn't say more strongly if you can’t speak to your family, charities like this exist. I can see the difference they would’ve made to Gavin’s life so go to these places, they are very welcoming.
"I wish so much that we had known that this place was there before Gavin died because it might have saved his life."
Support the Go Fund Me page to help raise vital funds for Men Matter Scotland and to help the family get a bench in tribute to Gavin.
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