'We miss him so much' - Football tournament to remember Borders dad ahead of anniversary of his death
It's hoped the event will raise awareness of mental health - and encourage more people to reach out
Last updated 15th Apr 2023
A young dad who took his own life after struggling with his mental health is being remembered at an event in the Borders this weekend.
Bradley Kitson was only 23 when he passed away on April 17th last year, leaving behind a six-year-old daughter.
A five-a-side football tournament is being held in Lauder on Sunday (April 16th) in memory of the former Border Amateur League footballer.
It's being organised by best pal Antonia Robertson (pictured together above) - with proceeds being donated to mental health charity MIND.
"Bradley loved football and Rangers," she said. "He was a cheeky and free-spirited kind of guy, who meant a lot to everyone close to him, and we miss him so much.
"You would hear him before you seen him and within five minutes you’d be in hysterics from his jokes.
"It’s like he was there to put a smile on everyone's face. It sounds cliche but it shows you never know what someone is hiding behind a smile."
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Antonia said the dad-of-one had been brought up in care and had struggled with mental health issues for years.
The pair had been friends for six years and the sudden loss has left Antonia and Bradley's loved ones devastated.
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She said: "I was like his mum. I work in mental health as a support worker so could relate to him a lot and talk openly with him.
"My hopes for holding this memorial tournament is to remember Bradley, but also to raise awareness around mental health, what to look out for, and to let people know they're not alone.
"Some of the indicators when Bradley was struggling with his mental health included behavioural changes, low self-esteem and lacking energy. I feel that these factors are really important to point out as it's not always obvious.
"Chances are people coming along could be struggling themselves, or know someone who is, and it's about letting them know it's okay not to be okay, and there is support out there."
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Andy's Man Club - a suicide prevention charity dedicated to supporting men - will be in attendance at Sunday's event, which is being held at Lauder Football Club, by the town's Public Park, from 1pm to 5pm.
As well as the football tournament, which will see teams compete for the Bradley Kitson Memorial Cup (donated by TD1 Youth Hub), there will also be a bouncy castle and bake sale.
For more details, and to find out how you can join in, click here.
Are you involved in a fundraising event you'd like to share on the radio? Email our reporter: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk