Young Scot, 22, dies suddenly as heartbroken family pays tribute

Lew Robertson, 22, passed away after struggling with his mental health for several years.

The family young Scots lad who tragically took his own life are urging others to speak up about their struggles. Lew Robertson, 22, passed away on September 14 after struggling with his mental health for several years.

Lew, from Bathgate in West Lothian, leaves behind his mum and dad, Lorraine and Donald, girlfriend Camilla, and close friends, Lewis Watt, Alex Leslie and Christopher Jackson. His heartbroken loved ones have been left shocked by the devastating news and they've said he has "left a mark on everyone he knew".

His best friend Lewis told Edinburgh Live: "He always had a smile on his face and was such a people pleaser and that's why everyone is so shocked by this. He had cerebral palsy growing up and struggled to fit in but he was a talker and so popular with everyone who knew him. He was just always there for people if they were struggling and would go out of his way to make sure everyone is okay.

"Lew was a troubled guy at times but this was definitely a shock because he was doing so well. Even if something was going on in the background with him, he would still be laughing and smiling."

Lewis and Lew became friends in 2017 and have been inseparable ever since. Lewis added: "We weren’t scared to put each other in their place, there was no fake-ness, we were like cat and dog, but he was the best guy I could have as my best friend."

Lew's family and friends have set up a fundraiser to help raise awareness around men's mental health and suicide and are hoping to organise memorial benches as a "safe space" for people to collect their thoughts or have the chance to talk to someone. Lew was known for his phrase "skipping over the ocean like a stone" which his parents described as meaning he was getting by and doing fine.

Lew's dad, Donald Robertson, said: "A lot of people suffer with their mental health and don't know where to go for help. Families are directly impacted by it now and we just want people to know there is a space they can go to talk to someone. A lot of the time, those defeated are the people you would least expect. Wester Inch is a big community in Bathgate and people don't come together and this is something we want to build on.

"We just want to encourage others to say hello to someone if they are sitting on their own, ask them how they are. We are all coping day-by-day by talking and coming together. Lew spoke to everybody, he wasn't shy and was always helping others so we are all sticking together right now."

You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.

If you've been affected by this article, Samaritans are available to call 24 hours a day on 116 123. You can also find help on their website here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.