A COMMUNITY champion is lending support to a campaign set up by the Troon mum of a girl who took her own life in 2013.

Ian Wilson, who was Troon Citizen of the Year for 2018, is organising a number of events to help boost the charity Beautiful Inside & Out.

Jenna died in June 2013 and her mum Pauline established the charity in memory of her.

Troon man Ian said: “The charity was set up to provide counselling for parents and siblings of suicide victims.

“But it has expanded more into a mental health charity. Siblings can take part in a full range of activities.

“I met Pauline, who founded the charity at an event last year.

“The reason I support it is that so many young people are affected by social media and by things not only at school but after school.

“In five years the number of teen suicides in Scotland has risen by 40 and 50 per cent. It’s a scary thought there are so many troubled youngsters but it’s great we have this charity here.”

Ian started the ball rolling and at Bradan Road, the residents put their small change into a goldfish bowl and Joe Dorfman of Troon TV emptied his piggy bank and between them they raised £100.

A stall will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the car boot sale in Troon Concert Hall.

Photographs will be sold - some mounted, some framed and a load of DVDS.

“I’m not a guy who likes hanging around doing nothing and like to keep busy.”, added Ian.

Ian is also venturing into unknown territory by taking part in a leg waxing for the first time on February 21 to help the charity.

Pauline Moriarty is appreciative of Ian’s support.

She said: “We are extremely touched that Ian is so supportive of the work of Beautiful Inside & Out (Scio).

“He has helped us to raise awareness so that we may reach out to more people who need our support, in the form of counselling, play therapy, music therapy, drama therapy or art therapy, as well as our monthly drop in sessions soon to start up in Troon.

“The local businesses and community have shown compassion and generosity in their offers of premises to use and raffle prizes or donations.

“The support has been wonderful.”