A COMMUNITY will come together to hold a candlelit walk in the name of a popular young man who tragically took his own life.

Friends and family of Tony Rice will remember the 24-year-old during the walk at Broadwood Loch this Sunday which has been organised to raise awareness of a group set up in his memory.

Tony’s Safe Place helps anyone affected by suicide or mental health – and it is hoped the public event will encourage those needing help to reach out.

It also comes at a time of need in the Cumbernauld community who has lost four young men under 30 to suicide in the last month.

Volunteer Michelle Webster, 51, who is best friends with Tony’s mum Linda, said: “It’s horrible and heartbreaking what has been happening.

“There is help there and it is okay not be okay.

“I go to Tony’s Safe Place with Linda every week to support her as a friend.

“We have noticed that more young people are coming to the group. But we want those who do not know that the group exists that they can come.”

We previously reported that beloved Tony tragically died in July, 2018 after a secret battle with mental health.

The dad-of-one left his family including mum Linda and dad Scott devastated but they have drawn strength from the tragedy to create a free-to-visit community support hub that takes place inside Broadwood Stadium every Thursday between 7 pm and 9 pm.

This week, the community event will allow those attending to light a candle for a lost soul.

During the Sunday walk between 5 pm and 8 pm, Tony’s Safe Place will open up Broadwood Rugby Hub next to the loch to offer refreshments and a place for people to chat.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Tonyssafeplace/