Parents of two Ayrshire girls who took their own lives after struggling with  mental health have given their backing to a fundraising event by Ayrshire College.

The Walk 4 Lionheart is being organised in memory of Ayr wrestling star and former student Adrian 'Lionheart' McCallum, who took his own life in 2019.

And the event "will save lives", according to one of the mums who lost her child in tragic circumstances.

Organised by HND Fitness, Health, and Exercise students, the sponsored walk will take place from Kilwinning campus to Kilmarnock campus on Friday, May 19.

All money raised will be split between their three chosen charities: the Kris Boyd Charity, Beautiful Inside and Out, and Megan's Space.

Megan's Space was set up following the tragic suicide of Irvine's Megan Copeland, a former St Matthew's Academy pupil, at the age of 20 in 2019.

Her parents Jenny and Rob set up the charity, which seeks to provide mental wellbeing support to young people up to the age of 25 who are experiencing challenges with their mental health, from anxiety through to suicidal ideation.

To date, Megan's Space has helped more than 150 young people, providing a vital service and saving lives.

Megan’s mum Jenny Copland said: “It is both moving and inspiring to have the college walk in support of mental health charities.

"Raising awareness and encouraging young people to reach out for help and talk about their challenges is so important. Thank you to all involved.”

Irvine Times: Lionheart, aka Adrian McCallum, died in 2019

Beautiful Inside and Out was set up by Pauline Moriarty from Kilmarnock after her 13-year-old daughter Jenna took her own life.

Jenna had confided in her mum about what had been making her feel so sad and together they made plans on how to improve things for Jenna at school. Tragically, less than 48 hours later, Jenna came home from school and ended her life.

Pauline said: “Our charity organises counselling, as well as play, drama, music, and art therapy. It is important that the charity funds these sessions so that there is no barrier to anyone receiving support.

"This is why fundraising is so crucial and we are extremely grateful to all involved in raising funds through taking part in Walk4Lionheart. This will definitely improve and save lives.”

Set up in 2018, the Kris Boyd Charity aims to educate people on mental health issues.

Former Kilmarnock, Rangers and Scotland striker Kris said: “The event will bring many people together, and most importantly, will raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage those who may be going through a difficult time to seek the support that is available to them.”

The Walk 4 Lionheart is being organised in memory of Ayr wrestling star and former student Adrian 'Lionheart' McCallum.

Lionheart made his name on the Insane Championship Wrestling circuit, where he reigned as heavyweight champion for a time.

He was also the owner of Ayrshire-based wrestling promotion Pro Wrestling Elite.

He took his own life at the age of 36.

The walk should last for around four hours and the college wants to encourage everyone to get involved as much or as little as they can.

There are options for doing the full walk or only doing part of the distance, so all abilities will be able to take part.

The first 200 sign-ups will get a free Walk 4 Lionheart t-shirt.

The college has set up a Justgiving page via The Kris Boyd Charity that you can use to collect any donations.

The charity will then split the money between the three organisations.
To sign up for the event please go to event.bookitbee.com/44242/walk-4-lionheart.