Friends plan permanent memorial to popular Lee

A story from the Courier about plans to create a permanent memorial to Lee.


Friends of a Dundee man who took his own life plan to create a permanent memorial to their friend.

Lee Welsh passed away last month and the 27-year-old’s family have since campaigned to promote the need for better mental health care provision.

Lee’s close friend Gary Shields intends to purchase a bench in memory of  the talented musician.

Gary said: “Not everyone is comfortable with going up to visit a grave, so it’s somewhere you could go and have a bit to eat or a cup of tea

“If it’s a nice day Phil and Lesley (Lee’s parents) could go up with Poppy, Lee’s daughter, and have a picnic. They could go there and be with Lee.

“It’s a nice way to remember him. It’s something to keep us going. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I was maybe going to organise a football match.

“I had a friend who recommended a DJ and he’s offered to do a disco and race night. Tickets are going to be go on sale for it next week.”

A fundraising page was set up in the wake of Lee’s death, with donations pouring in from members of the public and it has already smashed its fundraising target.

More than £4000 has now been raised after a £3000 target was initially set, but such was the generosity, Lesley had to extend the timescale of the page.

Phil has thanked members of the public for helping raise the “brilliant” amount.

A race night and disco will be held in the function suite of Dundee’s Skyaxe Combat and Fitness Centre on November 18.

Tickets for the event go on sale next week and can be purchased by either contacting Gary or friend Ryan Taylor.

website has been created to share stories of mental health which can be shared with politicians and charities.