Pals of a beloved Lanarkshire man who tragically died earlier this month have gathered for a charity football match in his memory.
Ross McPherson's family say it was lovely to see hundreds of people come together for a fitting tribute to their son.
The 22-year-old from Westwood, East Kilbride, sadly passed away on Sunday, August 7, leaving the town in mourning.
Since the heartbreaking news friends and family of Ross, known locally as Skinny, have launched a campaign in his memory called 'Speak for Skinny' which has helped raise vital funds for mental health charities.
And on Sunday, August 28, just three weeks after Ross's untimely passing, a charity match was held at the Showpark, home of East Kilbride Thistle.
It saw pals don the colours of Celtic and Rangers as they battled it out on the pitch in a 10-goal thriller, ending 5-5.
But it turned out to be a befitting conclusion on the day for dearly-missed Rangers-mad Ross as his beloved Light Blues sealed the victory on penalties.
The fantastic occasion managed to raise around £2500 for charity, with the funds allocated towards the Speak for Skinny campaign which encourages communication to support mental health; the local mental health charity Adored; as well as Boxer Welfare Scotland in memory of Ross's love of his dogs where he owned three pet Boxers throughout his life.
Touched by the love shown for Ross, his dad Neil McPherson told Lanarkshire Live : "Sunday was quite emotionally draining for Peggie and I, there was a lovely banner with a montage of pictures from all of Ross's life which really hit us where it hurt.
"A legacy of what Ross meant to people was the way that the whole of his community has come together, regardless of which team they support to unite behind the cause of men's mental health and suicide prevention.
"We can't thank people enough for their kindness at this time, and we are so in awe of his friends who organised this from the ground up, in a very limited time."
Now determined to help others in the community who may be struggling, Ross's family will continue to support mental health charities.
Neil added: "Our message to anyone who needs to hear it is, please, use Ross as an inspiration, seek help if you need to, speak to someone at an early stage, don't wait until you are approaching crisis point.
"Funds raised on Sunday will be donated to local charity Adored, and going forward the lads are looking to help support men's mental health charities in Ross's memory."
Sunday's event was a huge success as friends and family of Ross came together to show their support.
The football was played in good spirits with lots of fun and laughter, and even saw pyrotechnic flares let off in Ross's favourite colour purple as many took part in a joyous atmosphere.
It followed a week after the 22-year-old's funeral where locals were asked to wear purple as a nod to their late pal who was so highly thought of by everyone.
As donations came in throughout the day, fundraising events were held after the match including a raffle with lots of great prizes on offer to help raise lots of money for charity.
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