Football tourney a touching tribute to suicide victims
Hundreds turn out to support family sports day
Almost 500 people gathered at a football tournament that helps families honour loved ones they have lost through suicide.
The special event, No Substitute For Life, saw 16 teams heading to Ferguslie Park in Paisley to take part in a series of seven-a-side matches.
The finale ended in a nail- biting penalty shootout with the Boabby Dazzlers coming out on top.
Supporters on the day were also able to seek help and meet representatives from Recovery Across Mental Health and the Samaritans.
Breathing Space, Home Start and Renfrewshire Council Youth Services were also there to help drum up support for the worthy cause.
Face painters and the Street Stuff bus provided entertainment on the day, giving the chance for families to enjoy a range of activities.
And there was the chance to leave a message on a purple heart and place it on the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide memorial tree at the Tannahill Centre.
The tournament was organised by Paul Cardona, from Paisley, who was inspired to launch the annual event after losing a number of friends to suicide.
Reuben Millward, head of education and information at RAMH, worked closely with Paul to organise the event.
He said: “Football is always a wonderful way to bring people together and it was great to see so many people there.
“Suicide is a major health concern. It is the biggest killer of men aged under 44, and it is still not being talked about enough.
“That’s why we need events like this to make sure people know that support is out there.
“We’re hoping to continue to build awareness and to repeat the success of this year’s event again.”