THE heartbroken family and friends of a young dad who took his own life have climbed Ben Nevis in his memory.

Edward McEwan was just 28-years-old when he passed away in February.

His family found a note written by him, in which he stated that he wanted to climb Ben Nevis with his son Teddie.

“I want to make my fam proud” and “I want to help others” was also among the list of things that Edward wanted to achieve once he beat his addiction.

Glasgow Times: Edward and his partner ChristieEdward and his partner Christie

On Saturday, a large group of Edwards’ loved ones – dubbed Edwards’ Army – headed to Fort William to climb the mountain and left decorated stones at the top.

His sister Carey Anne said: “It was amazing getting to the top for him – that’s what Edward wanted to do, he wanted to climb Ben Nevis and he never got the chance.

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“It was emotional, you were crying, you were happy, it was very strange. It was a bittersweet magical day.

“We left Pollok at 5am and made our way to Fort William on two coaches. We had T-shirts made and a life-size cardboard cut-out of Edward. We had banners, and we painted stones to take them up to the summit.

“Once we got through the clouds, it was snow. We had to crunch through snow to get to the top.”

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More than £9000 has been raised following the climb, with several donations still to be added.

The money will be handed over to three charities – Men Matter, Chris’s House and Family Addiction Support Services.

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Carey Anne, 36, added: “Edward would have been first up that mountain – he was just a wee skinny whippet! He would have been overjoyed and absolutely buzzing.

“I know for a fact that he would have been looking down on us going ‘look at the state of all of them!’ But he’d be so proud of everyone. It’s a big mountain to climb, and every single person made it to the top.”

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As part of Mental Health Awareness Week last month, Edward’s family bravely spoke out about his life and his struggles.

His mum, dad, and five sisters revealed that two years ago, he’d attempted to take his life for the first time.

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“It’s terrible how much we miss him. It’s like something is missing. Something’s always going to be missing because we were a team of six and now one of us is not here,” Carey Anne said.

“He was always the life and soul and he had everybody in stitches and kept everybody going. You feel his presence missing.”

Edward’s family have thanked everyone involved in Saturday’s efforts, especially Men Matter.

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Carey Anne said: “The guys have gone above and beyond. We just can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for us as a family.

"Since the minute they heard about Edward they’ve been there with their support constantly.

“They’ve just been amazing. So has the whole community. Edward will never be forgotten around here, and his memory will always live on.”

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If someone you know is struggling, here are some signs to look out for that show they might need help:

  • Feeling restless and agitated, angry and aggressive, tearful or being tired or lacking in energy
  • Not wanting to talk to or be with people or do things they usually enjoy, or finding it tough to cope with everyday things Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings, or talking about feeling hopeless, worthless or helpless, or feeling trapped
  • Not replying to messages or being distant.

It can be tricky to start a conversation but there are ways to get talking:

The Samaritans say it’s okay to ask someone directly if they’re suicidal as research shows this helps. If they are uncomfortable and don’t want to open up, that’s okay too - you’ve let them know you’re there for them.

If they do want to talk then really listen. 

Good listening involves giving the person your full attention, being patient and repeating things back to them so they know you’re paying attention.

Where to get help:

You can suggest the person goes to their GP for advice and support

SAMH gives mental health information and can direct you to local services. Call 0141 530 1000 or email enquire@samh.org.uk

If you need to talk, call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or see www.breathingspace.scot

Families who need support after being bereaved by suicide can contact PETAL on 01698 324 502 or email info@petalsupport.com

Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email the charity at jo@samaritans.org.