THE parents of a man who died after accidentally falling into the River Clyde say they feel “emotional” as a sleeve in memory of their son has been placed on life-saving ropes.

Duncan and Margaret Spiers, from Balornock, have been campaigning to promote water safety following the death of their 28-year-old son Christopher.

Before midnight on January 29, 2016, Christopher was making his way home alone to his partner David’s home in Kinning Park after a night out, when he found the Tradeston Bridge taped off due to an unsafe building in the area.

READ MORE: 'His death has left us in turmoil': Family call for River Clyde safety after son slips into the water and drowns

Glasgow Times:

Christopher, however, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, continued down to the water’s edge where he slipped under stormy conditions.

A lifebelt was thrown in by police officers, but because it wasn't attached to a rope they couldn't have a second attempt when the first failed to reach him.

Following a campaign by the couple in memory of Christopher, hundreds of ropes have since been added to lifebelts up and down the Clyde.

READ MORE: Christopher Spiers' parents help make Mugdock Country Park safer after Jordan Goodwin's death

Glasgow Times:

Now, the ropes in Glasgow, which are manufactured by Ibex Marina, have had a purple sleeve put in place which reads "in memory of Christopher Spiers".

Duncan and Margaret say they feel “humbled” by the covers being added.

Margaret, 59, said: “It makes us feel really humbled and emotional that the rope company put it on.

“It’s hard to explain the feeling.”

Glasgow Times:

Duncan, 57, added: “We’re so so proud that this has happened.

“It means he is leaving a legacy.

“We know Christopher is probably looking down with a smile on his face.

“Having his name on the rope is absolutely amazing.”

READ MORE: Christopher Spiers: Family wins campaign for River Clyde water safety after son's tragic death

Glasgow Times:

The colour purple, which is on the sleeve and in the rope, was chosen because Christopher once told his mum he liked the colour.

Since the ropes have been added to lifebelts in Glasgow, Duncan and Margaret believe at least 10 lives have been saved.

Margaret said: “I think it’s great, I always think that’s someone’s life has been saved and their home with their family, with their friends or they’re getting help.

“And that’s enough for me knowing that they’ve been saved.”

Duncan continued: “We’re just so happy lives have been saved with them and that means families have got loved ones back.

“If the ropes weren’t there, God knows what would have happened to them.”

He added: “Something good has come out of something bad.”

READ MORE: Christopher Spiers: Water safety signs to be installed in Glasgow parks after grieving family’s campaign success

Glasgow Times:

Margaret and Duncan say Christopher’s death has “ripped our hearts out” but the Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign is what keeps them going.

Duncan said: “All our work is in memory of Christopher, it’s Christopher that’s driving us to do it so it’s his campaign not ours, we’re doing it for him.

“We’re so proud but we’re also still hurting, the hurt will never go away.”

Glasgow Times:

Duncan and Margaret are continuing their campaign in the hope that the specialised coloured ropes will be added to life vests across Scotland.

Duncan said: “We’re hoping to get the ropes with the purple sleeve in memory of Christopher rolled out across Scotland.

“It’s up to each council whether they do it or not but we’re hoping they will take up the rope and in memory of Christopher.

“We’ll just keep fighting to get this done in his memory to leave a legacy.”

As well as adding ropes, the couple have also had water safety signs installed round ponds in parks including Mugdock Country Park, Hogganfield Loch and Springburn Park, and they will be added to Alexandra Park.

You can find out more about the Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign on Facebook HERE.