A YOUNG Ardrossan woman raised thousands for a charity in a bid to help people talk more openly about their mental health.

Demi-Lee McGee held a bash in aid of the Kris Boyd Charity after she was inspired by the former footballers visit to her college.

The 23-year-old first started fundraising last year as she was motivated to make a difference following a series of tragic suicides, including one very close to home.

On Saturday, February 29 hundreds went along to Whitlees Centre to celebrate and talk about the importance to speak out on the stigma of suicide and mental health.

Arranged by Demi-Lee, the event featured a video message from former Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd, who started his charity after his brother took his own life.

Demi-Lee, who has overcome her own personal battle with anxiety, hopes her event has inspired others to talk more openly.

She told the Herald: “I started fundraising because I don’t think mental health is spoken about as much as it should be. There’s a lot of suicides. We’ve all got problems that we don’t really talk about. I know in my life I’ve been quiet, and I don’t speak about my issues.

“Something needs to be done, more fundraising needs to take place. There was a wee boy from Ardrossan, a girl from Kilmarnock, it’s just too close to home.”

Demi-Lee hopes the funds raised for the charity can help spread the message that people don’t need to ‘bottle things up’.

She said: “I had really bad anxiety. Doing this and helping others has brought me out of my shell. It’s good to use my own experience to then help other people.

“Kris was at my college two years ago. It really opened my eyes. He told everyone his story, and how raising money can help his charity go into schools and get the message across.”