A GROUP of friends are embarking on special journey to pay tribute to their much missed pal.
Described as having a ‘cheery’ and ‘outgoing’ personality, Leroy Langan from Dumfries sadly took his own life in November last year.
In tribute to Leroy, his loved ones: Scott Dunsmore, David Fraser, Tina Fraser and Paul Henderson have decided to take him on one final adventure; a trip to their cherished annual fishing spot.
Over six days, from March 24, they will carry his ashes along the 120-mile journey from Beattock to Portpatrick via the Southern Upland Way.
Upon reaching Portpatrick, one of Leroy’s favourite fishing spots, Leroy’s widow and children will join the walkers to scatter his ashes together.
Remembering his friend, Davie Fraser said: “Leroy was a genuinely lovely guy, loved by all who knew him. Always laughing and joking around when amongst company, his cheery outgoing personality masking his struggles with his mental health. His decision to take his own life left many in shock and disbelief.”
This journey is said to be “more than a farewell”, instead described as a call for action. The group hopes to shed light on the critical issue of men’s mental health and suicide prevention while raising funds for Change Mental Health, a charity dedicated to supporting those facing similar struggles to Leroy.
Davie added: “Only his closest friends knew of his mental health issues, and as it turned out, even we did not fully understand the real depth of the problem. Amusingly, we are aware that Leroy would hate what we are planning to do, in his name. A modest guy, he would not have liked the fuss and attention.
“He did love our many fishing trips to Portpatrick. Although it was never really about fishing, more the opportunity to get away for a couple of days with old friends.
“If by doing this challenge, we can help to encourage just one man in a similar situation to our best friend to reach out to a place like CHANGE, and start that difficult conversation, then this 120 miles will have been worth every step.”
