An Edinburgh youth football team is raising funds for a defibrillator by doing a sponsored walk on the Allermuir Swanston circular Pentland route.
Edinburgh Utd under eights, under nines and under twelves will be walking across the Pentland hills - starting and finishing at the Steading Inn - on August 7.
So far the various teams have already raised £600 - enough money for one portable device - but are hoping to secure enough for all of the teams within the organisation to have a defibrillator.
It is understood that around 50 youth players and around a dozen coaches will take part in the sponsored walk.
Paul Taylor, one of the coaches at Edinburgh Utd said: “The main reason we decided to pursue this was that the coaches had all been on a first aid course and realised that a defibrillator is essential in keeping someone alive until the professionals arrive. Without the defibrillator your chances of survival, with just CPR, your chances of prolonging life are a lot less. We simply cannot always rely on an ambulance getting there on time.
“The Christian Eriksen incident was a coincidence in terms of timing for the fundraising drive but that highlighted the importance of having the necessary equipment nearby.
“We coaches recognise that it could save a kid's life but more likely it could save the life of an older spectator on the sideline.”
Thomas Lancashire, who plays as a defender for one of the 2012 Edinburgh United sides, said: “After the Eriksen incident at the Euros we wanted to raise money for a new defibrillator to keep all the players and fans of the club safe. We decided to raise money by doing a sponsored walk across the Pentlands.”
Anyone wishing to support the club's quest for defibrillators can do so through their Just Giving page.
