Rangers fans plan tribute to Ayrshire teenager who took his own life

A tribute is being planned by football fans for an Ayrshire teenager who took his own life earlier this month.

Murray Harkness from Cumnock was reported missing after a night out in the town on Friday 5th October. It prompted online appeals for help to find him by his family which were shared hundreds of times.

But on Sunday 7th October, it emerged police had found a body in nearby woods and 18 year-old Murray had taken his own life.

Steven Easton, 19, is best friends with Murray's brother and knew him well. He says, "He was a down to earth young boy. Very happy-go-lucky and always had a smile on his face. It was always good to be around him.

"When I found out what happened, I was just in shock for three or four days. It took a while to settle in the fact that he's no longer here.

"We didn't have any warning of this. He was one of the last boys you would ever think of doing something like this. It was just a massive shock to everyone.

"Cumnock is a small place. The turnout for the funeral was incredible. There was a queue right around the crematorium and that just shows what kind of boy Murray was. A lot of people were affected by this. It hasn't been easy for anyone.

"We're now hoping to get everyone at Ibrox at the Rangers game against Spartak to give Murray a round of applause. We feel he deserves this. He was a huge rangers fan.

"His dad and cousin will also be at the match so I think it will be good for them.

"I also want this to raise awareness about mental illness. It's becoming a big thing now and not just because it's happened to Murray - it's happening everywhere.

"I'm seeing posts constantly on social media about mental health getting to people and them taking their own lives. It's coming too close to home for everyone now.

"It has to change and hopefully this can spread a bit more awareness, not just to Rangers fans but to everyone. You don't have to deal with everything on your own."

Rangers face Spartak Moskva tonight at Ibrox with kick off at 8pm. The minute's applause for Murray is planned for the 18th minute of the match.