A lecturer has paid tribute to his fun-loving nephew after the 25-year-old died following a battle with his mental health.
David Paul died in August 2021 after struggling with depression. The young man, who was working in engineering and had just been promoted, has been remembered as someone who "liked to have fun", his uncle Ally told Glasgow Live.
Now, Ally is carrying the Baton of Hope through Glasgow on Sunday June 25 in tribute to his nephew, who lived in Sweden.
The 53-year-old, from Old Drumchapel, said: "When I saw him and spoke to him, he was happy and everything was absolutely fine.
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"My brother called me and told me what happened and I was shocked."
David would often visit Glasgow and enjoyed spending time with his uncle. The pair would go to Scotland football games, camping and theme parks together.
Ally, a lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College, added: "He had planned that weekend with his pals, he had plans for the following weekend to go for nights out, social events and holidays.
"He liked to have fun, had lots of friends and a couple of cats. He liked whisky and went around distilleries when he came to Scotland.
"On the surface, he had everything going for him but struggled to win that battle with mental health.
"I was at the Scotland game in Hampden last night (June 20). We took him to the Scotland game in 2006 and we beat France 1-0. He was saying ‘Scotland are the champions’ so that was a special time.
"I have great memories of him when he was a baby. When he got a bit older I went and had beers with him, we went to ice hockey and football together.
"I was really close to him, he was like the son I never had. He was a great lad."
The Baton of Hope will be carried through the streets of Glasgow this weekend - passing Dassie Park and Cunigar.
It is a suicide prevention and awareness initiative co-founded by former Sky News reporter Mike McCarthy, whose son Ross battled depression for a decade before taking his own life in 2021.
Ross left behind a young son, a fiancée, and a heartfelt request that his family campaign for better mental health support and Mike is committed to honouring this final wish.
Our city is the first of twelve cities on the tour that will end at 10 Downing Street on Thursday 6th July.
Throughout the tour, the Baton will be carried by those with lived experience of mental ill health and campaigners.
Ally said: "Having spoken to a lot of baton bearers, they are coming out to pay tribute to their lost nephew, niece, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, mum, dad, friend or colleague.
"They are saying they want to carry the baton in memory and to honour their loved-one and that is what I am doing.
"When I am walking with the baton, I will think about David’s 25 good years. I will be thinking about all of those memories.
"The tragic irony of suicide is that it doesn’t seem relevant until it affects you. But, when it does, you’re racked with grief and guilt, wondering whether you could have done more or recognised the signs. It is all consuming.
"The Baton of Hope is here to give all those that have experienced these debilitating emotions a glimmer of light in the dark times, and the knowledge that everything will be done to avert future loss of life.
"I, my family, and all the other incredible volunteers involved are exceedingly grateful to the partners, sponsors and communities that have pledged their support to the initiative.”
Find out more about the Baton of Hope here.
