A charity single will be launched in memory of a tragic Angus man who took his own life.
Tackling the very difficult subject of suicide, the song aims to convey an ultimately uplifting message about the positive steps taken by mother and son duo, Sandra and Ryan, following the loss of their son and brother, Ross Ramsay.
“Reach Across (Live On)” by singer/songwriter Fraser Lindsay is due for release on December 19 which would have been Ross’s 35th birthday.
The single is being launched to raise valuable funds for Arbroath-based mental health awareness charity Reach Across which was set up by Sandra, Ryan and Ross’s aunt Donna Bow.
Friends and family joined Fraser and Ryan for the recording, with Fraser’s sister, Beth Swan, on keyboard and backing vocals along with their close friends Stuart Edwardson and Jamie Flynn recording lead guitar and bass respectively.
The recording session took place at Jamie’s studio, Good Vibrations in Stirling, where he also took on sound engineer and production duties.
Fraser said: “I have found it truly inspiring to see how the family have turned an unimaginable tragedy into something so positive for their local community and I wanted to be sure to convey this in the lyrics to the song.
“Given Ross’s love for music, it seemed very apt to pay tribute to his life, death and everything that has followed for the family since, in a song.
“Not only was music important to him, but it’s such an effective way to connect with people and help promote the great work lovingly carried out in his name.”
All funds raised from the single will go towards supporting people affected by suicide and the continuing effort to stamp out the stigma associated with it.
“Ryan and I wanted to start a charity in his name to help support other people who have been bereaved or affected by suicide and to openly share our experiences,” said Sandra.
“Ross was a talented musician and sound engineer. Music was his life. This was a passion which he shared with Ryan.”
Ryan said he grew into a life of music through his brother’s passion.
“Without my brother, I would not be playing music now and I would not have had the opportunity to record this wonderful song with my best friend,” he said.
“The release of this charity single wouldn’t have been possible without my brother’s input, alongside Fraser’s songwriting ability.
“Together, we have recorded a song which I feel captures everything I could have wanted.
“I truly hope that everyone else enjoys the single and listens closely to the lyrics as they are some of the most fitting lyrics we could have hoped for.”
The single will be available across all major download and streaming platforms, with physical copies being available directly from the charity’s website www.reachacross.org.uk
Ross died aged 30 in 2013 after going missing from his home in Glasgow.
He had embarked on a promising career in the music and theatre industry but was affected by mental health issues, which ultimately led to his death.
Reach Across has now grown with the support of community donations and has just opened new premises in the town’s Millgate including a room called The Haven.
