Remembering Kieran McDade and His Lasting Legacy

That the Parliament marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic passing of 13-year-old Kieran McDade of Coatbridge, who died on 26 August 2016 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a training session with Dunbeth Football Club; remembers Kieran as a bright and much-loved young person whose sudden death devastated his family, friends, teammates and the wider community; recognises the enduring grief carried by all those who knew and loved Kieran, while also acknowledging the extraordinary determination of his family, friends and fellow members of Dunbeth FC to ensure that his passing would lead to positive change; commends the establishment of the Kieran McDade Foundation in Kieran’s honour, with the objective of saving lives by providing defibrillators to sports clubs throughout Scotland; notes with admiration that the foundation is soon to distribute its 184th defibrillator, helping to make sporting environments safer for children and adults across communities; recognises that these defibrillators have already been used to save lives, including a recent instance of a young footballer whose team had received a defibrillator from the foundation; believes that this is a powerful and deeply moving testament to Kieran’s legacy, demonstrating that from the tragedy of his death has come the potential to save the lives of others; acknowledges the tireless fundraising and campaigning undertaken by the Kieran McDade Foundation and the generosity of the individuals, businesses, football clubs and communities who have supported its work; recognises the importance of ensuring that sports clubs have immediate access to life-saving equipment and that people are confident and prepared to respond in the event of a cardiac arrest; commends Dunbeth Football Club, the Kieran McDade Foundation and all those who continue to keep Kieran’s memory alive through their work, and, on the 10th anniversary of his passing, extends its heartfelt thoughts and sympathy to Kieran’s family, friends, teammates and all who continue to miss him, while celebrating the remarkable legacy of a young life that continues to make a difference and to save lives across Scotland.