Tribute in memory of doting dad James
Ex-Scotland and Rangers star backs family’s event
The family of a tragic young doting dad-of-two will hold a mental health event in his memory.
Loved ones of James McGarrie , of Dallmilling, Ayr, hope they can shine the spotlight on suicide amongst men after the dad-of-two took his own life, aged just 32, in September 2019.
More than two years on from his death a special night of fundraising at the town’s Pro-Soccer on April 2 from 7pm will remember him while raising vital funds for the Kris Boyd Charity.
And Ayrshire football hero Kris Boyd is backing the event in aid of his mental health charity, with the former Rangers, Kilmarnock and Scotland ace set to provide signed memorabilia.
Rangers-daft James, known as Mij, doted on his two sons, four-year-old Travis and 15-year-old TJ.
Big sister Christine McGarrie, 37, and ex-partner and Travis’s mum Suzann McKenzie, 32, both are ready to help others by retelling James’ story.
Devastated mum Suzann said: “This is about keeping James’s memory alive, nobody will ever forget him.
“We hope his story can help save lives and encourage people not to commit to something they can’t come back from. We raised money for the Kris Boyd Charity for the anniversary of James’s death and we have been supported by them. I went through a bad place, feeling a lot of guilt after James’s death. Both Christine and I went to a mental health coach night arranged by the charity that gave us loads of techniques, it helped me with panic attacks and things like that.”
James’s death sent shockwaves through the community with local shops closing on the day of his funeral.
Christine added: “James was well known in Dalmilling, he greeted the whole community everyday, I’m known as ‘Mij’s big sister’ to most folk. People messaged me after my brother’s death to say they had thought about taking their own lives but hearing James’s story stopped them.”
Christine says she was in a “dark place” after James’s death and the pain of suicide hasn’t gone away for her family.
She said: “People always say it’s good to talk. The hardest thing is that we did, we were a very close family and the door was always open. It was never enough - we’re still affected.
“James was such a devoted dad and a mummy’s boy, he would never have put any of them through what he did if he had been of sound mind and body. We can’t change what happened to James but we can show his boys just how loved their dad was.”
Football-daft James will be celebrated at a venue that holds fond memories for the former amateur and junior level player, who took to the field for Wallacetown, Dalmilling and Ayr Boswell in his heyday.
Sky Sports pundit Kris was in the year above Christine at Mainholm Academy and he supported them since James’s death.
She added: “I think knowing James and the family, it really hit home for Kris.”
The family are humbled by the army of local businesses who have generously backed the event with prizes.
Punters could win a £250 voucher from Stewart Travel, a £40 voucher for the Smoking Goat Bar & Grill, a gym membership at female gym (All Warriors) and a haircut voucher at Mr Barbers. Tickets are available on the door of the night, costing £3.
Anyone wishing further help can call the Samaritans on 116 123.
I think knowing James and the family, it really hit home for Kris Christine McGarrie