THE DEVASTATED friends of a “bubbly” Glasgow woman who took her own life are calling on more awareness of mental health issues in young people.

A major search was launched to find Lexi Carmichael after she vanished from George Square’s Counting House pub just after 11pm on December 11.

However the 21-year-old could not be traced - with police later recovering a body from the River Clyde on January 6.

While formal identification was still to take place, officers confirmed they had informed her family.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Now, in their bid to give Lexi the “send off she deserves”, her heartbroken pals have gathered together to raise awareness of mental health and suicide among young people.

Close friend Nicole Scott, who set up a fundraiser in her name, told the Glasgow Times: “She was so friend and family oriented and so bubbly.

“She was always there for other people despite having her own issues.

“It’s so important to raise awareness because a lot of young people seem to be having similar situations and are going missing.

“Young people are battling mental health issues but it isn’t getting the recognition.

“People aren’t feeling like they can speak out, so more needs to be done to help raise awareness and help people – especially on the Clydeside.”

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Police believe body recovered from River Clyde is missing Lexi Carmichael

So far more than £1500 has been donated to an online GoFundMe page, created to help cover funeral costs for her family.

Nicole added: “We want to give her a good send off, no-one expects to have to bury a child at this age.”

The devastated friend admits that the support so far has been “overwhelming” to both her and Lexi’s family.

She continued: “I didn’t realise how generous people could be during a time like this.

“The family are aware of the funding page and I have their blessing – they’ve also just been overwhelmed by it and it shows them how much she was loved.

“Lexi was loved by everyone and this proves it.

“She would make such a big impact on everyone she spoke to.

“I don’t know how her family are coping, obviously they are absolutely devastated, she was their youngest – it must be so difficult.”

The fundraising page added: “Lexi would light up every room she entered with her bubbly personality and contagious smile.

“She will be missed terribly by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.

“Over the past few weeks there have been many services that have assisted and contributed to help find Lexi.

“To these people we are forever grateful to finding our Lexi.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland confirmed last week: “We can confirm that the body of a woman was recovered from the River Clyde in Glasgow on Monday, January 6.

“Formal identification is yet to take place, however it is believed to be 21-year-old Lexi Carmichael, who was last seen on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

“Her family have been made aware.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Officers have since added that the body is believed to be Lexi’s and “no further statement would be released”.

You can view the fundraising page here.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, every day, by calling 116 123 or by email to jo@samaritans.org