Ryan was a ‘wee diamond’
The family of Ryan Coleman have paid tribute to a “wee diamond” after he was found dead last Tuesday.
Now his heartbroken aunt has begged youngsters feeling down to seek help and speak to someone as soon as possible.
Ryan’s body was found by a member of the public in the Langlands Moss area of East Kilbride last Tuesday evening.
He had not been seen since leaving his Greenhills home around 2pm the previous Friday.
Speaking to the News this week, Diane Cameron heaped praise on the 20-year-old, calling him the “life and soul of the party”.
Ryan’s emotional aunt added: “He was such a good friend to so many.
“Everyone who has paid tribute to him has been nothing but positive, there’s been no negative comments. And that just tells you how well-liked he was.
“Ryan will be sorely missed – he was a wee diamond.”
Tributes have poured in online for Ryan who had just completed his first year in mechanics at Motherwell College.
Diane said his brothers Graeme, Andrew, Derek and Harry, and sister Molly, had been left struggling to cope with his death, adding that they had lost more than a brother.
She added: “He was a best friend to his brothers and sister, not just a member of the family.
“He has left such a hole in all of our lives. Ryan was always the life and soul of the party, and he was always there for everyone else.”
But now Diane said the family wished they knew of some of the problems and issues he was having so they could have been there for him.
She said his mum, Kim Skimming, was doing as well as could be expected, but praised her strength ahead of Ryan’s funeral on Wednesday.
“Kim is so strong,” Diane added. “She just wants to lay him to rest now and be strong for him.”
Since his death, friends and family have rallied to offer help to the family, with a JustGiving page being set up to help the family with funeral costs.
Started by friend Ross Connor, the page says: “We’re raising £1500 to our son, brother, friend Ryan Coleman.”
That is just one of a number of fundraising efforts in Ryan’s name, with Kim confirming that money gathered elsewhere would be donated to charity.
She added: “We can’t thank Ryan’s friends enough, the support they have shown has been absolutely amazing.
“All money raised will go to charities like Suicide Awareness. They have been incredible.”
Ryan’s funeral will be conducted by a family friend registered as a humanist. The order of service will also carry mental health and suicide helpline phone numbers.
Diane added: “Any child, or adult who is feeling down, they need to ask for help as soon as possible.
“I would urge them to speak up and not to hide or shoulder problems themselves. If the message that comes out from Ryan’s death can help save one life, then that will mean a lot to the family.”