It’s difficult to put into words the pain that comes with losing a son, especially when it happens under such tragic circumstances. My son, Andrew MacKinnon, was a bright and enthusiastic 15-year-old, a dedicated student at Forrester High School, and a passionate footballer. His untimely departure while playing the sport he loved left an indelible mark on our family and the entire community.
Following his passing, the mission became clear – I wanted to ensure that Andrew’s spirit lived on. That’s why I founded the Andrew MacKinnon Foundation, with the goal of helping young people pursue their love for football, regardless of their circumstances. The Foundation also has a role to play in ensuring that our community is better prepared to respond to medical emergencies.
Today, I am both proud and emotional as I share that the Andrew MacKinnon Foundation #Forever15 has donated a new defibrillator to Forrester High School. This was one of the first things we wanted to do as part of our Foundation’s work, particularly as the existing defibrillator was nearing the end of its service life.
This initiative has been close to my heart and I am grateful for the immense support offered by the school. Headteacher Mr Stephen Rafferty has been a pillar of strength, working tirelessly with me to see this through, despite grappling with the loss of Andrew himself. His unwavering support in this endeavour is deeply appreciated.
This significant step in our journey wouldn’t have been possible without the outpouring of support we’ve received. I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has made a contribution, shared our story, and helped us spread the word about the Andrew MacKinnon Foundation.
A heartfelt thank you to Kimberley from London Hearts for her assistance and support. And, of course, a special note of appreciation to our sponsors whose generous backing has truly brought this initiative to life.
The journey is just beginning. Together, let’s continue to honour Andrew’s memory and work towards making a lasting difference in our community.