Tynecastle FC raise cash for defibrillator appeal

THE football club for which tragic teenager Jamie Skinner was making his debut when he collapsed and died has raised hundreds of pounds for the charity set up in his name.

Jamie Skinner's brother Tony, left, and dad George, right, accept the cheque from Tynecastle FC chairman Douglas Dalgleish. PIcture: Gordon Fraser

Tynecastle FC handed over £750 to the Jamie Skinner Foundation, the Evening News-backed campaign to put defibrillators in every sports centre across the Lothians.

Jamie was just 13 when he collapsed from a cardiac arrest at Saughton in December 2013. Amid the confusion which followed, he was not given a vital shock from a heart-start device which was on site.

Donations have since flooded in, with the campaign raising thousands of pounds and helping to buy dozens of life-saving defibrillators so far.

Tynecastle’s money was raised in November at a charity night, with musicians performing to a packed Shrubhill Masonic club where more than 150 people had paid £10 to attend.

Club chairman Douglas Dalgleish, who knew Jamie personally, said: “A number of the artists gave up their time for nothing, which was good of them. It was well attended. It was a good evening, every-one enjoyed themselves.

“It goes without saying that we’re doing  everything we can to show people that this isn’t just an event, and that’s it. The young man will be remembered in many, many ways.”

Tynecastle FC have already placed the Jamie Skinner Foundation logo on youth club away strips in place of sponsorship.

Mr Dalgleish said: “The club bought them itself. We’re happily wearing them and will do for a couple of years, so that memory will linger on.

“Anything else we can do to maintain his memory, we will. We’re delighted to make the donation.”

Jamie’s brother Tony Skinner said yesterday’s cheque presentation by Tynecastle was particularly poignant for his father George, who spends long periods working overseas in Africa.

He said: “It’s great to collect this donation. My dad is away quite a lot working in Africa, and we wanted to wait until he was back.

“It will be good for him to see some of the success of the charity.

“Every penny helps, so we’ll very grateful. It seems to be getting bigger all the time. It’s great to have the support of the whole community, and the support of the Evening News has been excellent.”

George said: “We’re very glad to have this donation, and very happy with all the support. It’s fantastic.”

IN MEMORY OF JAMIE

THE News has joined the family of Jamie Skinner in launching the Shockingly Easy campaign. We hope to ensure there is a life-saving defibrillator in every Lothian sports centre. Here’s how to help:

• Make a donation or fundraise for a defibrillator Cheques payable to The Jamie Skinner Foundation can be sent to Shockingly Easy, The Edinburgh Evening News, Orchard Brae House, 30 Queensferry Road, EH4 2HS.

• Volunteer to take a defibrillator course at your sports club

• Learn CPR skills

If you can help, e-mail [email protected]

Clubs involved so far include:

• Easthouses FC

• Edinburgh South FC

• Kirkliston & South Queensferry FC

• Lauriston Thistle FC

• Leith Athletic FC

• Loanhead Miners Youth FC

• Sighthill Bowling Club

• Silverknowes Golf Club