A GREENOCK police officer is aiming to raise awareness of male suicide after the death of a childhood friend.

Frazer Macdonald, 27, was devastated when his friend Marc Rhoddan, 28, took his own life in October last year.

Marc, who served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, passed away at his home in Johnstone.

Despite having been friends since childhood, Frazer had no idea that Marc was struggling to cope.

Frazer said: “Marc was a very outgoing guy.

"His personality was so infectious, and he was very much the jester of the group.

“Him taking his own life came as such a shock to everyone as he never seemed to be struggling.

"Just a few weeks before I had spoken with him as he wanted to apply for the police, which suggested he was looking to the future.

“I just feel there is a masculinity that surrounds men’s mental health and in too many cases people are scared to admit they are struggling which is so tragic.

“I want to raise awareness that it's not a sign of weakness to admit you are struggling mentally.”

Frazer has signed up to run the Stirling Marathon in April as he believes a healthy lifestyle improves mental health.

He said: “I have always used running as a tool to stay fit for my line of work and towards the end of last year I ran the Great Scottish run 10k.

“A marathon however is a completely different level."

Frazer did some research into charities he could help through sponsorship pledges and settled for Brothers in Arms.

He said: “As soon as I saw this charity I knew it was perfect.

"They provide support to men suffering from mental health and their families and the initial correspondence with them was so positive.”

Frazer set up a JustGiving page and has already collected more than half of his £1,000 target.

He said: “It means the world to me to raise this money in the memory of Marc and I know it means so much to his family.

“My advice to anyone suffering mental health issues would be that there are resources out there to help.

“Don't ever perceive mental health issues as a sign of weakness and don't ever feel insignificant, because you may not realise just how much you mean to all those around you.”

To support Frazer's fund visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/frazer-macdonald-1