MX23RW : Friday, March 29 14:25:55| >> :60:41:41:

Justin Edinburgh's inspired by Marcus Rashford to create 'Justin's law'

Justin Edinburgh's inspired by Marcus Rashford to create 'Justin's law'
© Reuters
A year on from the former Leyton Orient manager's shock death from cardiac arrest, his family are pushing for 'Justin's Law'.

The family of Justin Edinburgh are taking inspiration from Marcus Rashford as they campaign for a change in the law a year on from the former Leyton Orient manager's death from cardiac arrest.

Edinburgh's death last June the news shocked the footballing world, coming just weeks after he had led the club to promotion back into the football league.

Aged only 49, the well-liked ex-Tottenham and Southend defender suffered a cardiac arrest at a gym. Staff had to source a defibrillator from a nearby shopping centre, losing precious minutes that could have given him a fighting chance of survival.

Instead, Edinburgh never woke up and died in hospital five days later, prompting an outpouring of support from across the game.

Leyton Orient v Braintree Town – Vanarama National League – Breyer Group Stadium
Edinburgh celebrates Orient's promotion from the Vanarama National League (Mark Kerton/PA)

Within months of the loss of his father, Edinburgh's son Charlie set up the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation, with the aim of securing "Justin's law" – legislation ensuring defibrillators in all health and sports facilities in the UK.

Charlie, 27, told the PA news agency the past year had been "full of plenty of ups and downs" but added that he had been taken aback by the support he and his loved ones had received from the footballing community.

"For me, that's been the standout thing – the support, the admiration, the overwhelming support we've had.

"Obviously dad's immediate connection is football, and every club that he's represented both as a player and a manager have been tremendous in supporting us as a family in the most tragic of times."

Justin Edinburgh Tributes
Tributes left to Edinburgh in the dugout at Leyton Orient's Brewer Group stadium, east London (David Mirzoeff/PA)

That support has helped raise £250,000 in its first 10 months and this week the foundation paid for defibrillators at three venues Edinburgh had a close association with.

The donations went to his first club in management, Billericay Town, Leyton Orient supporters' club and a Toni & Guy hairdressers in which Edinburgh was a business partner.

Charlie said his next aim is to secure the support of politicians, adding that he had started with his local MP Vicky Ford, who is also children's minister.

He said that he hoped to follow in the "amazing" footsteps of Manchester United striker Rashford, whose campaign for the extension of meal vouchers to children throughout the summer led to a Government U-turn.

Justin Edinburgh Memorial Service – Chelmsford Cathedral
Charlie Edinburgh created the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation after his father's death (Joe Giddens/PA)

"The whole footballing world has really pulled together and it does show you what a fantastic industry it is," he said.

"There'll be a lot of people out there that won't be aware that this is not a legal requirement."

He added: "We were a bit naive to all this before this happened to dad and probably didn't stand up and take notice. I feel a bit guilty saying that but that's the truth."

ID:403152: cacheID:403152:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7836:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Scottish League Two roundup: Cove Rangers go eight clear at top
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!