I will be running the Ultra Scotland 100 Mile event (it’s actually 106 miles over 16,000ft ascent 😳) in June this year to raise money towards a defibrillator for Dalbeattie Star Youth Football Club. A defibrillator is a device which gives a high energy electric shock to the heart if someone is in cardiac arrest, they are simple to use but an essential piece of equipment for any sports club these days.

We appear to be reading about more and more footballers (and spectators) suffering cardiac arrests during training or games and a defibrillator always seems to be a key part of saving their lives. Fabrice Muamba and Christian Eriksen are probably the most-well known cases in recent times, both suffered cardiac arrests whilst playing and both were saved by a defibrillator.

This cause hits closer to home for me though. We lost my Dad to a cardiac event on the football pitch in December 1986. Dad (or Cammy as he was known) was a fit and healthy player / coach with Threave Rovers at the time but tragically collapsed and died whilst playing in a game at Meadow Park in Castle Douglas. I'd like to help others avoid going through this type of tragedy, your donation can help me do that.

Both of my sons, Cammy (9) and Connor (7), are actively involved at Dalbeattie Star Youth Football Club and it would be hugely reassuring to know that they, their friends and any spectators had access to a really vital piece of kit if they needed it.

Your donations would be greatly appreciated.