A dad was left emotional after his son’s friends hosted a football match in his memory.

Ross McPherson, known as Skinny, passed away earlier this month after battling with mental health issues.

We reported how the 23-year-old Rangers fan, from East Kilbride, appeared to be in good spirits before something just “snapped in the dark of night”, according to his heartbroken family.

READ MORE: Two best pals die within days of each other leaving families 'distraught'

Glasgow Times: His friends wore football strips His friends wore football strips

Now his father Neil McPherson has vowed to raise awareness of suicide to stop the tragedy from happening to others.

He was blown away after pals wearing Celtic and Rangers strips rallied round to play a charity match in his son's memory.

They brought a huge banner to the game, held at The Show Park in East Kilbride, with Ross’s face that read “Only One Ross ‘Skinny’ McPherson”.

Glasgow Times: They brought a banner in memory of RossThey brought a banner in memory of Ross

Neil told the Glasgow Times: “It was lovely, quite an emotionally draining day for us though, but the guys are great.

“They've pulled their whole community so close together and are determined to stop this happening to anyone else.

“The charity match was organised by the boys and they are determined that they help to prevent this happening to anyone else."

Glasgow Times: Ross with his dog Ross with his dog

Ross passed away days after his friend Scott Carrigan who was also seemingly battling mental health issues.

The pair, from East Kilbride, have left behind their devastated loved ones who are all in complete shock over the sudden deaths.

Neil previously told the Glasgow Times how he hopes his only son has now reunited with his beloved dog Hootch that died earlier this year.

Glasgow Times: Ross was very popularRoss was very popular

He said: “We are just absolutely devastated. He was our only child and not only the light of our life, he brought light to many people's lives.

“We need to stop this now, we're losing too many fine young men.

“He was a good friend of Scott's. I didn't realise how close they actually were, and how Scott's death had affected him.

“He was a hard-working lad. He liked to party hard but always did his work.

“Big Rangers supporter, very good-looking lad and popular with everyone.

“I can't find anyone with a bad word to say about him.

"My personal biggest comfort is that I hope somewhere he is reunited with his big pal Hooch who we lost in January."

Glasgow Times: Ross is deeply missedRoss is deeply missed

The family expressed their gratitude for the kindness shown by Ross' friends, employers, workmates and the wider community, and even complete strangers.

 

 

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