THE family and friends of a young dad who tragically took his own life have bravely taken part in a 'Walk of Hope' to help tackle the stigma of suicide.

Loved ones of Tony Rice, 24, carried out the five kilometre trek between 4am - 7am on Saturday morning to prove that "darkness always leads to light."

The event was organised by Lanarkshire-based support charity Chris’s House to help those impacted by suicide.

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Tony's mum Linda Rice, 49, opened a free-to-visit community support hub in Cumbernauld earlier this year, allowing those who may be struggling with their mental health to come along and talk.

Writing on a Facebook page dedicated to the hub, named Tony's Safe Place, Linda said: "What an amazing emotional night.

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"No matter how big or small your problems please believe me your never alone reach out and say."

The shattered mum believes ‘Tony’s Safe Place,’ based in Broadwood Stadium, will help to allow those who may be bottling up difficult emotions to speak out.

We told previously how the mum-of-four's son Tony took his own life in July 2018, after having secretly battled mental health demons.

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But Linda is determined to prevent other families from enduring the same heartache she has.

She decided to take part in two-day intensive suicide awareness training course the day after what would have been Tony’s 25th birthday.

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Tony’s Safe place is open every Thursday inside Broadwood Stadium between 7pm and 9pm.

If you have been affected by suicide, call Samaritans on 116 123.