Pals mourning the tragic loss of Lanarkshire man Ross McPherson have rallied to raise thousands towards his funeral costs.
The 22-year-old passed away suddenly on Sunday evening at an address in East Kilbride.
It happened just days after Ross' friend, Scott Carrigan, 23, died last Thursday, August 4.
This week parents from both families led tributes to their beloved sons, as the community continued to pay its respects.
A fundraising page for Ross has so far raised close to £5000 in a tremendous effort to support his family at this difficult time.
Known by friends as 'Skinny', Ross was loved by many. And hundreds have already donated generously, including local football teams in the town, after the gofundme page was launched yesterday.
His pal, Jack McGowan, wrote on the fundraiser: "Hi everyone, I am setting this gofundme up to help show Skinny's family how much we appreciated their son, and everything he done for us all, to give them a little something back, and to help pay for funeral costs.
"Me and Ross grew up together, I first moved to East Kilbride when I was eight-years-old and we hit it off from then, best pals ever since. Skinny done so much for everyone and touched everybody’s soul.
"Skinny was loved by everyone, not a bad word anyone had for him, he was a kind loving and caring person, whirlwind of a boy, came in singing and dancing, I just wish I spent a little longer eating lunch with you the other day brother.
"Any donations would be massively appreciated by all of us, thank you x
"Westwood to Hollywood Skinny bro, rest in peace brother."
Ross is remembered as a happy and caring young man who had time for everyone he met.
Over the years, Ross was known for his love of his dogs and had three pet Boxers: Chloe; Cava; and Diesel, before latterly his "big pal" Hooch who he sadly lost in January, explained his dad, Neil McPherson.
In a touching tribute to their son, Ross's parents wrote the following tribute: "To Ross, just as hope was fading of us becoming parents you came along, you filled our life with light and joy, you were the happiest wee boy, we were a family - complete.
"As you grew into a typical teenager there were one or two fiery moments! But beneath it all that caring, loving boy remained.
"You fought your personal doubts and anxieties so hard and always fought to make sure anyone you met was happy, their problems became your problems as you tried to help any way you could.
"Ross, if only you knew how much love and respect there is for you, and how empty this world will be without you then maybe those demons would not have got you.
"Sleep tight our boy, until we are a family once more. Love, Mum and Dad."
One pal paid tribute to Ross on social media: “A very sad day today in the Westwood, sending love to all the boys and Ross’s family. It was a pleasure being your friend, rest easy Skinny.”
Another wrote: “A boy that done so much and took so little”.
And a third friend added: “My heart is absolutely shattered. I wish there was more I could have done to help you. You were the most caring loving person there was.
“Fly high Ross and see you on the other side one day, keep them raves going troop.”
“Another one of life’s good guys taken far too soon. Rest easy Skinny mate”, said a fourth.
To contribute towards Ross's send off fundraiser, you can donate here.
Both Ross and Scott's families have stressed they would like to highlight mental health services to locals and that help is there if you need it.
Help and support is available at:
- Samaritans - 116 123 (24hr) Calls are free & confidential. Email jo@samaritans.org For people experiencing distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.
- Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (6pm - 2am daily and 24 hours weekends) A free and confidential phone-line service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression.
- For help and support for your mental health, speak to your GP or if out of hours, call NHS 24 on 111.
- Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention App- search for SP Lanarkshire with your App store provider
- ChildLine 0800 1111 - a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.
- HopeLine UK (0800 24 20 24) a free service for childen & young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide & for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
- http://www.elament.org.uk - for more focused supports and services
- https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk - run by NHS Lanarkshire Adult Psychological Services. It aims to link you to mental health information, advice and help, wherever you live in Lanarkshire.
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