'Popular' man, 22, dies suddenly as family and friends issue heart-wrenching tribute

A 22-year-old man who was "popular" with everyone who knew him died suddenly last month, leaving his family and friends heartbroken.

Lew Robertson, from Bathgate, , , tragically on September 14, leaving behind his mum and dad, Lorraine and Donald, girlfriend Camilla, and close friends, Lewis Watt, Alex Leslie and Christopher Jackson. His family, who described him as a loving son, friend, cousin and boyfriend, said he struggled for the majority of his childhood.

The young man's passing came as a shock to his family and friends and they have come together to pay tribute to Lew who "left a mark on everyone he knew". They are also now urging others to speak up about their .

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Speaking to , Lew's best friend Lewis Watt said: "He always had a smile on his face and was such a people pleaser and that's why everyone is so shocked by this. He had cerebral palsy growing up and struggled to fit in but he was a talker and so popular with everyone who knew him. He was just always there for people if they were struggling and would go out of his way to make sure everyone is okay.

"Lew was a troubled guy at times but this was definitely a shock because he was doing so well. Even if something was going on in the background with him, he would still be laughing and smiling."

Lewis and Lew became friends in 2017 and have been inseparable ever since. Lewis added: "We weren't scared to put each other in their place, there was no fake-ness, we were like cat and dog, but he was the best guy I could have as my best friend." Lew's family and friends have set up a fundraiser to help raise awareness around men's mental health and suicide and are hoping to organise memorial benches as a "safe space" for people to collect their thoughts or have the chance to talk to someone.

Lew was known for his phrase "skipping over the ocean like a stone" which his parents described as meaning he was getting by and doing fine. Lew's dad, Donald Robertson, said: "A lot of people suffer with their mental health and don't know where to go for help. Families are directly impacted by it now and we just want people to know there is a space they can go to talk to someone.

"A lot of the time, those defeated are the people you would least expect. Wester Inch is a big community in Bathgate and people don't come together and this is something we want to build on. We just want to encourage others to say hello to someone if they are sitting on their own, ask them how they are.

"We are all coping day-by-day by talking and coming together. Lew spoke to everybody, he wasn't shy and was always helping others so we are all sticking together right now." At the time of writing, nearly £2,000 has been donated to the fundraiser. You can donate

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.