Two Lanarkshire pals have tragically lost their lives within days of each other, leaving the town to mourn their sudden passing.
Tributes have flooded in for Scott Carrigan, 23, and Ross McPherson, 22, with their family and friends from East Kilbride fondly remembering them.
Scott’s heartbroken mum Alex Berney has led the tributes for her “one in a million” son, sharing with us just how proud she is of him being an organ donor, with his legacy now helping other people.
The bartender and events management student passed away in Hairmyres Hospital on Thursday, August 4, after being taken there by emergency services a few days before.
Alex told Lanarkshire Live : “Scott donated his organs which we weren’t aware of. He’s such a little hero.
“I’m so proud of him for that. If some good can come of something so tragic, we’ll know that he has now helped nine or 10 people have a better quality of life.
"It means a lot to us.
“Scott was the life and soul of the party, he was such a loving, kind, caring young man with a heart of gold. He loved everybody.
"He was cheeky, but just one in a million.
“Scott had such a beautiful smile that could cheer anybody up, and he was just loved by so so many people. It will leave a whole in everybody’s heart unfortunately.”
Scott’s sister Brooke Carrigan and step-sister, Jayne Berney, launched a fundraising drive following the news of their brother’s untimely passing.
Nearly £9000 has already been raised, offering a huge help to funeral costs. However, his family also wish to create a mental health service for youngsters in future in Scott’s memory.
Alex explained: “We’re all lost for words at how generous everybody has been.
"We’re amazed and can’t thank everyone enough for what they’ve done.
“We also, in the future, want to set up a foundation in Scott’s name called 'Let’s Talk Scott' and try and see if we can design an app or something where boys of a similar age who need help can go any time of the day and speak with somebody - someone to talk to and not feel uncomfortable if they’re feeling low or in a dark place.
“It’s important as a family that we drive this to break that stigma around mental health and young men. We want to reach out to see if there’s anyone out there who can help set this up.”
Scott loved playing golf, spending time with his friends, and hillwalking.
A big Rangers fan also, his beloved club passed on their condolences for Scott with members of the first team signing jerseys and the club donating £1500 to Scott’s gofundme page.
Thanking hospital staff who cared for Scott in his final days, Alex added: “We would also like to thank the transplant team and all the nurses at the ICU at Hairmyres.
"They were amazing and went above and beyond.
“From the first second Scott got into that hospital until the very end, every single member of staff were just amazing. I can’t thank them enough.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed they received a 'concern for person call' at a house in the Easdale area of the town around 4am on Sunday, July 31.
Scott's death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Just three days after Scott died, one of his best friends Ross sadly passed away on August 7.
The 22-year-old, also from the Westwood area of the town, is remembered as a happy and caring young man.
His dad Neil McPherson spoke with Lanarkshire Live following his sudden passing and wrote the following in tribute to Ross: "To Ross, just as hope was fading of us becoming parents you came along, you filled our life with light and joy, you were the happiest wee boy, we were a family - complete.
"As you grew into a typical teenager there were one or two fiery moments! But beneath it all that caring, loving boy remained.
"You fought your personal doubts and anxieties so hard and always fought to make sure anyone you met was happy, their problems became your problems as you tried to help any way you could.
"Ross, if only you knew how much love and respect there is for you, and how empty this world will be without you then maybe those demons would not have got you.
"Sleep tight our boy, until we are a family once more. Love, Mum and Dad."
Known by friends as ‘Skinny’, Ross was loved by many in the community.
One pal paid tribute on social media: “A very sad day today in the Westwood, sending love to all the boys and Ross’s family.
"It was a pleasure being your friend, rest easy Skinny.”
Police were called to an address on Sunday night where tragically Ross was found.
Like Scott's, Ross' death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
The community has been left in shock following the deaths of two men who were both so young.
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser set up in memory of Scott, visit here.
Both families have stressed they would like to highlight mental health services to locals and that help is there if you need it.
Help and support is available at:
- Samaritans - 116 123 (24hr) Calls are free & confidential. Email jo@samaritans.org For people experiencing distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.
- Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (6pm - 2am daily and 24 hours weekends) A free and confidential phone-line service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression.
- For help and support for your mental health, speak to your GP or if out of hours, call NHS 24 on 111.
- Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention App- search for SP Lanarkshire with your App store provider
- ChildLine 0800 1111 - a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.
- HopeLine UK (0800 24 20 24) a free service for childen & young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide & for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
- http://www.elament.org.uk - for more focused supports and services
- https://www.lanarkshiremindmatters.scot.nhs.uk - run by NHS Lanarkshire Adult Psychological Services. It aims to link you to mental health information, advice and help, wherever you live in Lanarkshire.
* Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
