The mother of a Lanarkshire teen who took his own life hopes a new charity in his name will help young men who are struggling with their mental health.
Adored aims to keep the memory of much-loved East Kilbride teen Alexander Iain Bonomy Lindsay alive while raising awareness of mental ill health - particularly in young men.
Eighteen-year-old Alex died suddenly at his St Leonards home four years ago, on July 8, 2018.
This devastating loss drove his family and friends to ensure his death would not be in vain and Adored was officially set up by Alex's parents Robbie and Jill last November.
Inspired by his favourite song, I Wanna be Adored, by The Stone Roses, the cause was established with a focus on mental health and saving young lives.
Friends and family gather each year to remember the apprentice mechanic and devoted Motherwell FC fan at a dedicated charity football tournament, the Alex Lindsay Cup.
Now an annual celebration of Alex’s life, the tournament, has raised £20,000 for mental health charities including Beautiful Inside and Out which helped counsel Jill and Alex's sister, Zoe, through their grief.
Speaking to Lanarkshire Live, Jill Bonomy-Lindsay said: "Alex's favourite song was I Wanna be Adored by The Stone Roses.
"When he died his funeral was such a massive event the word 'adored' seemed to fit with his passing.
"I knew I wanted to do something in his name so set up this charity to try and focus on mental health - particularly with young men.
"Having done my own research, the number of young men taking their own lives is quite considerable and the whole stigma with young men is taking about their mental health.
"I wanted to find a way they could get help without going to a group or counselling session. I don't think young men are going to do that.
"Our purpose is the saving of lives, so I thought 'what can we do to prevent people going down that route'?"
Bonomy FC is an amateur East Kilbride football club set up in Alex's name which Adored now sponsors.
The charity plans to send the team to a mental health retreat through support charity No Limits, with the aim of offering funding support to others who would like to go in the future.
No Limits is a Scottish independent charity providing a unique combination of prevention, early intervention and crisis support. They offer practical and emotional help and support to young people struggling with life.
Jill added: "Two of Alex's friends have been on this retreat and had positive life-changing experiences. I want to see what the team get from it and get the word out there that our charity can fund places for people who would like to do it but maybe can't afford it."
The family are also in the process of having a wishing well commissioned in Alex's name on land at St James Retail Park.
As well as being a place to reflect and remember the popular teen, those in need of support will be signposted to mental health charities and organisations where they can get help.
"We are coordinating with the three local high schools, asking pupils to come up with an inspirational quote to be displayed on the wishing well and will also have mental health places where people can get help featured on the brickwork and paving around it", explained Jill.
"So as well as throwing a coin in and reading messages of hope and inspiration, there will be information on where you can get help.
"If it helps one person, it's done it's job.
"I'd like to try and get into the schools in some way too to target younger people before they're really struggling and at crisis point."
The fourth annual Alex Lindsay Cup will kick off next Saturday, July 16, at Alex's former school, Calderglen High.
Organised by close friend and trustee of Adored, Jack Smith, this year is set to be the biggest yet, with 240 players in 24 teams competing in a seven-a-side group knockout style tournament.
Jack said: "I'm really looking forward to this year's tournament. We have eight more teams than we've ever had making it the biggest Alex Lindsay Cup ever.
"It has been a task but the amount of effort everyone puts into making this event so special is great to see.
"I'm hoping the weather will be on our side and we have another great day playing football in the sun and raising money for a great cause, all in name of our friend Alex."
After the tournament there will be a function held in East Kilbride Sports Club with live music, DJ's and a raffle with some great prizes donated by local businesses, as well as some signed football merchandise from Rangers and Celtic football clubs.
Kick off at the outdoor pitches is at 10am with the final match at 4.20pm.
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