A CARING schoolboy is keeping his uncle’s memory alive by bringing awareness to mental health issues through a sponsored mountain climb.

Lewis Brown, 11, will be fundraising for the Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) charity a year after his uncle, Jamie Hepburn, took his own life.

Johnstone man Jamie was just 25 when he was found dead in a wooded area off Milliken Road, in Kilbarchan, after celebrating a 30th birthday party with friends.

The tragedy has been particularly hard for his children Aaron, eight, Lilly May, five, and three-year-old Danika.

Experts at SOBS helped Jamie’s loved ones try to come to terms with their loss.

And Kilbarchan Primary pupil Lewis will repay the charity on Saturday as he raises money by climbing Goatfell, on Arran.

Lewis said: “I wanted to do something in memory of my uncle Jamie. He was the coolest, best uncle and was always there for me.

“I didn’t even think much of the word suicide or mental health until uncle Jamie died.”

Despite missing his uncle terribly, Lewis is determined to make sure something positive comes out of the tragedy.

He added: “It really affected me when it happened but now I understand things better.

“My mum preaches to me and my sister that it is okay to talk about our feelings. It is okay to feel sad, as long as we always talk about it.”

Lewis also told how SOBS helped his 30-year-old mum Sarah cope with her grief.

He said: “Being strong all the time is impossible. It’s okay to have bad days. I wish uncle Jamie had known it was okay and there was help out there for him.

“I want people to realise how important mental health is and I want to raise awareness.

“Uncle Jamie is missed every day by everyone. I’m asking people to help by sponsoring me to raise money for a great charity.

“I promise to climb to the top of Goatfell with my mum and aunties - if they can keep up the pace.”

To support the fundraising drive, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sadiehepburn

If you are experiencing low mood and need someone to talk to, call the freephone Samaritans line on 116 123.

If you have been affected by suicide and would like to talk about it, call SOBS on 0300 111 5065.