INVERCLYDE’S Provost has thrown his support behind a Tele-backed life-saving campaign in memory of a 10-year-old ice skater who collapsed and died.

Provost Martin Brennan joined with his depute, David Wilson, to nominate our Show Some Heart Jayden Orr appeal to benefit from a forthcoming fundraising event.

Now he is urging others to follow their lead and help the drive to put a defibrillator in every school in Inverclyde.

Jayden’s devastated parents Kathleen and John Orr launched the campaign by opening a charity shop after the tragic sudden death of their son, inset, last August.

Provost Brennan said: “Kathleen and John Orr and the Greenock Telegraph deserve a great deal of congratulations and support for this campaign. 

“Kathleen and John are helping to make sure that the message is being heard right across Inverclyde about the important role accessible defibrillators can play in saving a life.

“I would encourage members of the community to support this very worthwhile campaign.”

His depute Mr Wilson is also fully behind the campaign and they took the decision together to support it.

Cllr Wilson added: “I am fully behind this campaign, which will make a real difference.”

Mr Wilson will officially represent the Provost at an upcoming charity Burns Supper in Greenock Town Hall which will be hosted by Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII.

Provost Brennan added: “I am delighted to have the Show Some Heart Jayden Orr Campaign as the Provost’s nominated charity for the upcoming Charity Burns Supper. 

“The good work of Lodge members will help to raise vital funds but just as importantly to increase public knowledge and awareness.”

Port Glasgow businessman David Smith was the first person to come forward to donate a defibrillator in support of the appeal.

We also recently highlighted former shipyard worker Charlie Douglas from Port Glasgow, who handed over £3,000 to the appeal.

Charlie and his manager Robert Osborne raised a total of £90,000 for charity by selling rolls to their workmates at Rosyth.

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan meanwhile continues to push for a debate in parliament highlighting the campaign.

To donate towards the £50,000 target for the campaign visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kerri-lynn-2

Kathleen and John’s charity shop, Jayden’s Rainbow, is open from Tuesday to Saturday in Jamaica Street from 10am to 4pm.

http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/15916846.Port_Glasgow_business_owner_backs_campaign_by_pledging_to_buy_a_defibrillator/