DEVOTED friends of a young Port Glasgow mum who tragically died in her sleep are campaigning for research into poor mental health in her memory. 

Jayemarie McLaughlin was just 26-years-old when she passed away on July 4 last year, leaving behind her daughter Avamarie, who is now eight.

A trio of her closest friends - Linzi Campbell, Martin Cochrane, and Abbi Hemphill - completed Sober October last month in Jayemarie's honour and have already raised almost £600 for Mental Health Research UK. 

Linzi said her dear friend's passing left them stunned.

Greenock Telegraph:
To mark what would have been Jayemarie's 28th birthday her close friends set off fireworks and released sky lanterns in celebration of her life. 

She said: "Jayemarie's death has really affected us all. 

"It was such a shock, we had no idea it was going to happen. 

"You never think something like that is going to happen to your friend. 

"We all loved her so much.

"We wanted to turn a sad, horrible thing into something positive that will help other people."

Greenock Telegraph:
Linzi, 37, said Jayemarie had lived with poor mental health for several years and despite actively seeking help to try to feel better, she struggled to get the professional support that she needed.

Linzi added: "She was in and out of so many different places across the west of Scotland.

"When she was suicidal, she was taken in by a service but allowed to go home the next day. 

"She had to cope with door after door being slammed in her face. 

"That's the complete opposite of Jayemarie herself, she would never have closed the door on anyone. 

"She would have helped anyone out when they were in trouble.

"Avamarie kept Jayemarie going through it all."

Linzi, Martin and Abbi said going out socialising was a big part of their life with Jayemarie, so the sober October challenge felt fitting. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Linzi said: "She would have thought we were completely mad. 

"We were a big close knit group of pals and knew each other for years. 

"She was such a big part of the group. 

"We all used to go out partying a lot and wanted to experience life.

"She was the life and soul of the party and one of the most caring people you could ever meet."

Linzi says competing the month-long challenge wasn't difficult for the group as they all had Jayemarie at the forefront of their minds. 

Greenock Telegraph:
The devoted friends now want to raise as much money as they can to fund research into poor mental health. 

Linzi added: "We feel good about what we've done in Jayemarie's honour. 

"Her passing has made us all think about our own lives. 

"Some of us had never experienced loss before. 

"Jayemarie went through a lot of trauma with her poor mental health. 

"We want to help people understand what she must have been going through."

To donate to the online charity fund set up in Jayemarie's memory, visit www.gofundme.com/f/sober-october-for-jaybo