The family of a Vale teenager who took his own life took part in a ‘walk and talk’ event which aims to bring about changes in educating young people on good mental health.
Lizzi and David Stuart, and Lizzie’s sister Lynne McKay, attended the Let’s Walk and Talk event, organised by FAMS (Families and Friends Against Murder and Suicide).
The parents were left devastated by the passing of their 17-year-old son Lee Stuart in May.
His death was one of an increasing number of suicides recorded in Scotland. Official statistics show that 784 killed themselves in 2018 – 15 percent more than in the previous year.
The family generously gifted £500 to the charity at the event in Strathclyde Country Park on August 25 from a fund set up in Lee’s memory.
The community has rallied around them, with Lee’s friends Gage Campbell and Lewis McGinty organising a memorial football match in July.
The generosity of those who attended, as well as people donating to a Just Giving page, has seen more than £10,000 raised for mental health charities.
Lynne said: “You’re ignorant to the situation until it happens to you. These walks have been going on for years but we didn’t know about them until this happened to us.
“This is the first one we have attended and Lizzi donated £500 to the charity from Lee’s fund, which they were very grateful for.
“It was a lovely day but very emotional.
“It was also a memorial day and people shared their stories and helped raised awareness. There were hundreds of people there and they set off on a 6k walk around the park.”
Praising her sister, Lynne said: “Lizzi has been amazing – so brave and strong.
“People are still rallying around the family.
“A friend of David’s is doing a half marathon in Edinburgh and one of Lee’s cousin’s is doing a firewalk for the fund.
“We are all so grateful for the support.”
