Scotland’s Lawrence Shankland backs campaign after friend’s heartbreaking death

Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has spoken about the death of a school pal from a sudden heart attack to prevent other tragedies.

Twelve murals have been painted across the UK as part of a British Heart Foundation campaign to mark the number of young people lost each week.

Two young Scots football fans are among those who are featured, including Shankland’s school friend, Chris Murray. Just days after the UEFA Euro 2024 kick-off, the murals show the football fans in a team shirt with the slogan “Scotland ‘til I died”.

Chris, from Glasgow, was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy aged three. He died at just 22 after a sudden cardiac arrest.

Hearts forward Shankland visited his friend’s mural the day before the Scotland squad flew to Germany.

He said: “If Chris was here now, he’d be our No1 supporter and cheering us on. He was always a person who told you he was proud and that he loved you.

“It’s a hard-hitting slogan but that’s what you have to do to raise awareness.”

Research from the BHF reveals the nation is largely unaware of the devastating effect heart disease has on young people.

David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: “No one should have to experience the loss of their child, sibling or parent, but sadly that is the cruel reality of heart disease – it doesn’t discriminate.”

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