In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy, a group of close friends and family members from Dumfries will embark on a special journey to honour the memory of their beloved friend, brother, and family man, Leroy Langan.
Leroy’s story is, tragically, one of many. Since lockdown, reported cases of men struggling with mental health issues have more than doubled, rising from 10% to 21%. In 2023, of the 6,069 recorded cases of suicide in the UK, 75% were men. Sadly, Leroy became part of this devastating statistic when he took his own life in November last year. Despite his cheery and outgoing personality, he silently fought a battle within.
In tribute to Leroy, his loved ones have decided to take him on one final adventure; a trip to their cherished annual fishing spot. Over six days, they will carry his ashes along the 120-mile journey from Beattock to Portpatrick via the Southern Upland Way across the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway.
Upon reaching Portpatrick a seaside town on the western coast of Dumfries and Galloway (and one of Leroys favourite fishing spots), Leroy’s widow and children will join the walkers to scatter his ashes together.
This journey is more than a farewell; it is a call for action. The team hopes to shed light on the critical issue of men’s mental health and suicide prevention while raising much-needed funds for Change Mental Health, a charity dedicated to supporting those facing similar struggles to Leroy.
Quote from Davie Fraser, Leroy’s best friend
“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 leaving many in shock and disbelief.
“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 Portpatick. 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.”
How to Support
By donating through the dedicated Just Giving page, every penny will go directly towards providing essential support and treatment for those in need. Together, we can make sure no one has to struggle in silence or walk this journey alone.
On behalf of David Fraser, Tina Fraser, Scott Dunsmore, Paul Henderson, Steve Quigley, and Clint Langan, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and donations.
To learn more about the charity and contribute, please visit: https://changemh.org/
Group Photo(s) Names from left to right:
Scott Dunsmore, David Fraser, Tina Fraser, Paul Henderson
