THE family of a football coach who died at 25 are joining the Show Some Heart defibrillators campaign set up in memory of schoolboy Jayden Orr.

Former Ardgowan Primary pupil Josh Turner passed away last February in Colorado, USA, where he had lived for three years.

Now his grandparents Thomas and Sheila Turner are turning their Golden Wedding anniversary into a fundraiser to help put life-saving defibs into his old school.

They were inspired by the courage of Port Glasgow couple Kathleen and John Orr, who are raising money to put the machines into every school in Inverclyde after losing their 10-year-old son, who tragically collapsed and died last August while ice-skating.

Josh’s family want to establish a lasting tribute to the former Broomhill Boys’ Club coach and they feel that helping the Jayden campaign is a fitting way to do so.

Josh’s gran Sheila, 75, from Roxburgh Way, said: “Life will never be the same for us after losing Josh.

“We are all devastated.

“We have good days and bad days. We are a very close family.

“He moved out to America but we still kept in touch and he visited us, and Josh and his dad Thomas were the best of friends.”

Josh died on February 4 last year from a heart attack caused by a condition his family didn’t know he had.

His family now hope to put a defibrillator into Ardgowan Primary, his former school, along with a plaque in his memory.

They are also looking at installing another one in All Saints, his cousin’s former school. Kind-hearted mum-of-four Sheila has spent her life helping others in the community and even adopted her neighbour’s children.

She added: “It would mean so much to us to do something to help people here in Josh’s memory as he was very proud to be from Greenock.”

Josh had continued his football coaching when he moved to the USA and started his own franchise, Celtic Colorado, just before his death.

Sheila and Thomas will hold their Golden Wedding function on May 26 in Cruden Hall in his memory.

Sheila has managed to secure a signed Morton top in a frame which she hopes to auction off on the night.

She said: “Josh used to love going to see Morton with his dad.”

Jayden’s mum Kathleen today welcomed the support of Josh’s family.

She said: “They are trying to do the same thing as we are and we really appreciate it.

“Now I hope that we can get defibrillators in to schools in Inverclyde as soon as possible.”

The campaign launched by Jayden’s parents to put a defibrillator in every school in Inverclyde is being backed by the Tele and it has quickly gathered pace.

His parents opened a charity shop in Greenock town centre and they have been overwhelmed as thousands of pounds pour into the defibrillator fund.

The Show Some Heart campaign aims to raise £50,000 to make a real difference in the community.

If you would like to support the campaign call our reporter Susan Lochrie on 558908.