By Andrea Lambrou
The sun shone as family and friends gathered for the annual Alex Lindsay Cup and raised over £5000 in memory of the popular East Kilbride teen. Marking seven years since the tragic passing of 18-year-old Alexander Iain Bonomy-Lindsay, the tournament kicked off on June 29 at the Enviro-Clean Stadium at Kirktonholme pitches – home to EKYM and EKYC. Sixteen teams turned out for the charity match raising more than £5329 for the family’s dedicated mental health charity set up in Alex’s name, Adored. The standard of football on display was the best the tournament has seen in its seven-year history with ‘The Other Team’ winning the trophy beating the EK Rolls-Royce ‘The Rollies’ 1-0. Alex’s mum Jill said: “It was a fabulous day compounded by the excellent weather, making the event a great family day. “Sixteen teams took part and it was great to see the tournament evolving with both younger and women’s teams taking part. “The after party continued in the clubhouse where players and supporters were entertained with live music from Ross Martin and duo Pat and Andy. Raffle prizes were drawn and everyone enjoyed a well earned drink and buffet. “The day has drawn a whopping £5329 with some donations still incoming. This money will be donated to Adored SCIO mental health charity which was set up in Alex’s name after his passing in 2018.” Set up by Alex’s family after the teen suddenly and unexpectedly took his own life, Adored aims to keep his memory alive while helping young men who are struggling with their mental health. Inspired by his favourite song, I Wanna be Adored , by The Stone Roses, the cause was established with a focus on mental health and saving young lives. Now an annual celebration of Alex’s life, the tournament has raised tens of thousands of pounds for mental health charities including Adored and Beautiful Inside and Out. The charity provides individual and group support for mental health in conjunction with No Limits Coaching and this year has provided support in Calderglen High, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High and Duncanrig Secondary. Adored now plans to extend the support across South Lanarkshire schools incorporating events in other learning communities. Jill added: “Thanks goes to those at Enviro-Clean grounds for providing the venue free of charge, and for their kind donation, and to all those who helped on the day with set up and organisation. “Thanks to Mr Bell from Calderglen High School who hasn’t missed a tournament and who helped by refereeing this year. And as always thanks to Jack Smith (Alex’s friend) whose dedication to keeping the tournament going each year is second to none.” Remembering her beloved boy, Jill added: “The day as always evokes many emotions , but for me the overriding sense of pride was immense. “Alex was a larger than life character and it brings myself and the family much comfort to see that, despite his absence, his life is not forgotten and can hopefully bring some help to those suffering from mental health difficulties.” Thanks go to local businesses who kindly donated prizes for the raffles, including: Ricos, The Detailing Company, Funktional Fitness, Soul Suites, Fresh Barbers, 1127, Beauty by Nic, Connelly Coaching, A1 Tyres, Pergola, Arigo, Bica, D’lish, Once Upon a Table and Zucca. *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ?