Inverness family look to help others after personal tragedy
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Friends and family of an Inverness man who took his own life are looking to help others in the wake of the tragedy.
Loved ones of Malcolm Morrison (39), from Crown in Inverness, are organising a quiz night to raise money for suicide prevention charity Mikeysline in a bid to prevent others going through the heartache they have faced.
The evening will take place at The Corriegarth in Heathmount Road, Inverness on Friday, September 29 at 7.30pm.
Entry is £10 per team with a maximum of six people per team. Book with the Corriegarth or just turn up on the night.
Matt Davies, a close friend of Malcolm's for over 20 years said the intent of the quiz night is to “honour him in the spirit that he would have wanted”.
He said: “Malcolm was absolutely the life and soul of every social gathering and one of the funniest guys I’ve ever known.
"He was a big fan of Hibs, a music lover – particularly of heavy metal – and was very supportive of the local music scene centred around the Market Bar.
“It just goes to show that you never really know what is going on underneath the surface with people’s mental health.”
As to why a pub quiz night was the best way to honour Malcolm’s memory he added: “A quiz night is a good way of raising money for a cause but it is also a great way to have a few laughs and a few drinks, because Malcolm wasn’t shy in enjoying a drink or two.
“This is a couple of months on from when he passed away and it will maybe give people a chance to remember him fondly and remember all the laughs and good times that they had with him, whilst raising some money for Mikeysline.”
Matt and another friend, Brian Paxton, will share quizmaster duties for the night.
Malcolm's parents, Willie and Louise Morrison, owners of William Morrison Jewellers in the Victorian Market in Inverness, are still very much grieving their recent loss, but knowing how loved their son was by so many people gives them some comfort.
Matt said the night would be a success if it prevents even "one other family or one other group of friends from having to go through the pain of losing someone in this way."
He added: “Having seen Malcolm’s parents go through this horrific ordeal, the one thing I’d like to say to anyone who is struggling is 'talk to someone'.
"No matter what the problem is your loved ones would rather talk to you about it than talk to a funeral director about your funeral arrangements and, if you still can’t talk to your loved ones, talk to Mikeysline.”
There is a range of support available for anyone who is struggling withe their mental health:
- Mikeysline is available via text at 07786 207755, through WhatsApp at 01463 729000, or contact it via Messenger, webchat or Twitter.
- James Support Group has established a 24-hour helpline and a network of support groups across the Highlands for people bereaved by suicide and those experiencing suicidal thoughts. They can be contacted on 07563 572471 or email support@jamessupportgroup.com
- Samaritans can be contacted for free at any time, from any phone, on 116 123, by email at jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org
