A man has paid tribute to his "popular and respectful" nephew after he lost his battle with mental illness.

Chatham resident Danny Dawson, 23, died earlier this year and now his family has created special cards for men to keep in their wallets to help them if they're struggling.

Danny's uncle Chris Watts said his nephew would always stop what he was doing to say hello and give him a hug.

He said: "Whether it was a phone call or in person he always said 'love you uncle'. That was the kind of man he was.

"He was happy and go lucky. The lad was such a nice boy, he cared about his whole family with his whole heart. He had a lot of friends and was so respectful."

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website. If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.

Following his passing, Chris said he could not let it "be for nothing" and knew he wanted to do something to keep Danny's spirit alive and use his story to help others.

The 41-year-old said: "It has affected our family so much. It shows you how hidden people keep mental health. It is soul destroying to know he was struggling.

"Men's mental health can get brushed under the carpet. There is a stigma around it.

"The information for help should be more readily available, people should not have to go through loads of websites so I came up with these cards.

"I want them to become normal. It is there for anyone at any time."

Chris, of Thorold Road, Chatham, has designed 'Danny Cards' which people can have in their wallet or pocket. It includes details for charities which offer support for mental health so people know where they can go to look for help.

The cards also include a message with a picture of Danny. It reads: "Mental health is a battle with yourself. Battles are won with armies. Do not do this alone."

Since he launched the idea, Medway Council has been involved and Southern Print Services in Gillingham which is offering to print them at cost.

Any businesses which would like to get the template for the cards are encouraged to make contact with Chris.

Chris said: "Doing this has given me strength and some passion. I want it to be normal to speak about.

"If all this effort works and helps only one person, it was all worth it. There is help out there."

Chris, who works as a supervisor at Clancy construction firm, will also be climbing Mount Snowden later in the year with his three friends to raise awareness.

He has set up a fundraiser to raise money for Mind and Danny's two-year-old daughter. At the time of writing it had raised over £7,000.

If you would like to donate and for contact details, click here.