Ross McLean was our beloved dad, partner, son, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, and friend. In August of last year, he became another victim of the suicide epidemic.

Ross was a larger-than-life personality, bursting with love, humour, and creativity. But he was also vulnerable to spells of black depression that no amount of consolation, encouragement, or kind words could pull him out of.

It was in those dark periods that Ross would openly talk about his fragile mental health. He made several attempts on his life, being saved only by a combination of the quick thinking of those around him, the emergency services, and a healthy portion of good fortune.

In recent years Ross seemed to have put these troubled times behind him. He had a new job that he embraced with cheerful enthusiasm, and outside of his work, he created wonderful music, art, and poetry. Most importantly, he loved to spend quality time dedicated to raising his sons and enjoying family life.

Tragically, Ross slipped suddenly back into a spell of despair late last summer, and, this time, nobody could save him. He was reported missing on Sunday 14th August, and friends and family searched for him for five days before finding him at rest in a tranquil wooded area not far from his home.

We are all devastated to have lost Ross, and the wounds will never truly heal. For us, a point has been reached where there is no going back. We will not get to see, talk with, or hug Ross again in this lifetime.

But for other vulnerable people out there, as well as those who love them, there’s still hope that it doesn’t have to come to this. None of us are experts in this field, beyond our own personal experience. But we passionately believe in supporting a charity like Back Onside who have the knowledge, skills, and infrastructure to truly make a difference to those in need.

That’s why we are holding a football match on Sunday 20th of August at Bayview Stadium, home of Ross’s boyhood heroes East Fife FC. The match will be a celebration of Ross’s life, and an opportunity to raise as much money as possible for the Back Onside charity. We humbly ask for your donations, no matter how small, because we believe that by working together, we can make a difference.

Thank you.

The family and friends of Ross McLean.