A memorial football match is being held for a 'bright, funny and loving' young Glaswegian who tragically lost his life to suicide.
Thomas-James Gray, who sadly died in March of last year aged 22, is described by his loved ones as 'quite the character' and was very popular with his teammates at his local football club.
In his honour, family and friends have organised an 11-a-side game to celebrate Thomas' life, while also raising money for suicide prevention charity Mind the Men.
The event, which includes the match and family fun day, will take place this coming Saturday, August 7, between noon and 3pm at Hillwood Football Club at the Priesthill pitches on Priesthill Road.
Thomas' heartbroken mum Sharon said her 'beautiful boy had a way of making everyone smile'.
She said: "Thomas was 22-years-old when he passed. He was bright, funny, and loving with a great future ahead of him. Anyone who knew Thomas would tell you he was quite the character, he just had a way of making everyone smile.
"He was truly loved by many. We as a family are devastated by the loss of my beautiful boy and struggle with this every day. He is deeply missed, what once was a big family now feels very small without Thomas’s presence.
"Thomas was passionate about football so what better way to honour his memory than a football match."
And given how well-known and liked Thomas was, the family has been inundated with requests from people to take part in the occasion, which will all be to the benefit to the Mind the Men charity.
Sharon continued: "Originally this was planned by the guys at his most current football team, but very quickly people were making contact to take part, the numbers became so high we decided as a family we would put on a charity 7-a-side tournament.
"Unfortunately, due to ongoing restrictions this can not go ahead, so we decided to do the memorial match and family fun day in its place in aid of raising awareness and some money for the charity.
"Suicide is preventable and there is much we can do as individuals and communities to ensure that much needed services are made accessible to those in need."
To find out more about the Mind the Men charity, you can visit their website here.
