The family of a dad-of-one who died days before his 55th birthday have urged men to speak out if they need support with their mental health.
Gavin Thomas died two months ago after dealing with anxiety problems for around two decades – something his family had only recently found out about at the end of last year. The 54-year-old was found at home in the west end of Glasgow and rushed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where, despite the best efforts of medics, he died on February 11.
Speaking to Glasgow Live, Gavin's sister Michelle Doran said he had been the "best big brother" and "larger than life". His passing has left Michelle, his other sister Jeanie and his mum Jean, who lived across the road from him, bereft.
Michelle, 48, said: "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.
"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. We had loads of fun and laughed together, he was a brilliant big brother."
Gavin's family launched a fundraiser to have a memorial bench placed in Willowbank Community Garden, close to his home. He would often socialise with pals there while growing up.
The GoFundMe had a target of £800, which has since been surpassed. Any money over and above the £800 will be donated to Men Matter Scotland, a Drumchapel-based registered charity that supports men with their mental health and provides socialising opportunities including art sessions, cycling clubs and talking groups.
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."
The GoFundMe page can be found here.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
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