The family of a late Ardrossan teen have raised over £4,000 in his memory for a charity supporting bereaved parents and siblings of suicide victims.

Joshua O’Neill, a pupil at St Matthew’s Academy, tragically passed away at his home almost two years ago, leaving his family and friends devastated.

But the 13-year-old’s loved ones are now working hard to support Beautiful Inside and Out, an organisation which they say helped them through their grief.

The charity offers support and advice to families of suicide victims and promotes feelings of self-worth.

Joshua’s dad, Terry O’Neill, told the Herald: “We have done three charity events all in memory of our son Joshua O’Neill, who we sadly lost in September 2017. We are doing these events to keep Joshua’s positiveness alive.

“Joshua always went out his way to help and support others. He didn’t like to see any unkindness and his aim in life was to make everyone smile – which he did.

“After the loss of our son we found there wasn’t much help out there – especially for young ones to turn to in these tragic times – through listening to many of my son’s distraught friends.

“We came across the charity Beautiful Inside and Out which immediately aided our family with counselling and therapy for our younger son, which has got us to the place we are today.

“We will never get over losing our son, but it has helped us to get through another day and we can’t thank them enough.

“But as times pass, unfortunately you are hearing more and more people and teenagers deciding that suicide is an option and ending their lives.

“We want to, especially in this area, make the community more aware of help and support that is available out there for young ones or adults who are experiencing troubling times or need help dealing with the grief of losing a loved one and to help each other live another day.”

Since November last year, Joshua’s family have taken part in a candlelight party, a Sally Buxton Night, and, more recently, the Glasgow Kiltwalk.

Terry, Joshua’s nine-year-old brother Justin, mum Vicky Lester and a number of relatives and a close friend all took on the six-mile Kiltwalk at the end of last month.

Terry said: “His younger brother Justin was eager to take part in the Kiltwalk, as he wanted to do something special for his brother, which we are so proud of.

“A fantastic total of £4,631 has been raised for a charity that has helped our family through another day, Beautiful Inside and Out.

“We hope to bring more awareness in this area, so young ones can get the support needed and deserved.

“ If we can help one person, it is worth it.”

Terry added: “We would like to say a massive thank you to all the people, local shops and businesses who contributed prizes, donations monies and sponsorship to support this amazing charity.

“A special thank you to Darren Fisher for assistance with buffet, Clyde Kilts for supplying kilts, and Centurion Signs UK who donated the large banner and cheque.

“We would also like to say thank you to Rita Hair from Montgomerie Court Knitting Group and Asda Ardrossan for both donating £100 cash, raising funds for us.”