Family speak about sudden death of footballer Jamie, 13, to promote heart health

The family of a promising footballer who died suddenly aged just 13 have spoken of their “incredibly difficult” loss as part of a new campaign to raise awareness about cardiac arrests among young people.

- ATHENA STAVROU

Jamie Skinner died without warning after collapsing while playing a game of football in Edinburgh, showing no signs of poor health previously. His family spoke to The Independent about their loss a decade on from the tragedy to mark World Heart Day yesterday, a campaign to raise awareness of heart health.

Three days before Christmas 2013, Jamie collapsed on the pitch while playing in a match for Tynecastle Hearts Football Club. He was later found to have suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

His sister, Sonia Skinner, 39, told The Independent: “Jamie was playing football and just collapsed on the pitch. Initially, no one knew what had happened and everyone thought he had just passed out.

“Jamie was a very happy, easy-go-lucky lad. He always had a big smile on his face and was constantly cheery. He was fitness-mad and so young. He always wanted to be a professional football player and never ate any rubbish. You’d never think something like this would happen to him.”