A KILWINNING man has kicked off a mental health charity fund-raising campaign - after the deaths of three of his loved ones in the space of less than two years.

Thomas Watson and his family and friends have already raised thousands of pounds with a sponsored walk up Ben Lomond.

The 31-year-old was speaking after he and a dozen friends raised more than £4,000 by climbing Scotland's most southerly Munro.

This was the first in a line of four events Thomas has organised alongside his friends and family.

He is looking to help in whatever way he can, after seeing so many around him battle with mental illness - including his stepfather Andrew Linton, who died in March.

He said: "I lost my first friend Marc in June 2021, then lost my best friend Thomas in December 2022.

"As recently as past couple of months, I've lost my stepdad Andrew. All to mental health.

"I want to raise money and awareness in memory of them and try and help other men get the help they need.

"If we can raise enough money and awareness to help even just one person it'll be worth it."

On Sunday May 14, Thomas and his brother William will hold a charity football match.

The brothers' own teams, Kilwinning AFC and Eglinton FC respectively, will face off at Buffs Park at Kilwinning Sports Club at 2pm.

The club's bar will be open for the event, which will include a buffet and half time raffle - with entry to the match being by donation.

Less than two weeks later, on Saturday, May 27, Thomas and his friend Martin will hold a fund-raising race night at Cranberry Moss.

The final effort - for the time being - is to be a charity boxing night, which will be held on July 22 at the Volunteer Rooms in Irvine.

Thomas explained: "I've set up a training camp for the boys that starts next month where they can get fit healthy and have a safe space to talk about anything.

"Most boys haven't boxed before and it gives them something to focus on and have something to look forward to with the hope we can raise alot of money on the night towards charity."

Once all of these events have concluded, Thomas plans to bring together all of the money raised from each event to help as many local mental health charities as he can depending on how much is raised.

For more information about attending any of these events, or to make a donation, you can contact Thomas on Facebook at facebook.com/thomas.watson.568.