The former coach of 15-year-old Andrew MacKinnon who tragically lost his life playing football near Forrester High School last week has organised a community car wash to raise money for the family.
Jamie Brodie, 38, from Sighthill, coached Andrew when he helped to take over the running of the 2007 Salvesen team. Having worked as a former valet, the father-of-five will be at gate 55 car park just off of Sighthill Crescent, working alongside some of Andrew’s old teammates and friends to service people’s cars for a donation.
Jamie says that the response has been amazing with local businesses contacting to see if they can help in any way possible. He hopes that the car wash event will allow some of Andrew’s mates the chance to chip in and honour their friend.
READ MORE: Edinburgh family pays tribute to 'caring' schoolboy who died playing football
No exact fee will be charged with those using the service being asked to donate whatever they can afford to spare. Jamie says that the funds will be used by Andrew’s friends to pay for a memorial and that any remaining amount would go directly to the family.
“We have had six or seven ex-teammates and friends of Andrew come forward to say that they would like to get involved”, he said. “The sudden passing of Andrew has really affected my family, especially my son Callum who played alongside Andrew for three years.
“My father and I along with others took over the 2007 Salvesen team that he played in. He was a really talented player and a big character in the dressing room.
“You hear of left footed players having a wand but Andrew was just like that and could strike the ball so cleanly with his right peg. He was always willing to listen and learn, knowing when to carry on but also knowing when to work hard on his game - he was an absolute joy to coach.
“He had a trial at Hearts and you have to be a really strong player to get that opportunity. I want to try to help the family in any way I can.
“I used to have a car wash and still have a van with all the machinery and equipment available to do mobile washes. So we decided it would be a great way to raise funds.
“I’d like to thank Amanda Doig-Sands, who helped arrange for some of Andrew’s close pals to come and help chip in for their mate, do some hard work, and get some money to help towards a memorial for the family.
“This Sunday March 26 at 9.30am-3pm (roughly) we will be open for car wash at gate 55 car park , just off Sighthill Crescent. Everyone will receive a full car wash including alloys and a complimentary air freshener.
“The cost will be what you can pay whether it is £1/£5/£10, just absolutely anything. All proceeds will be going to Andrew’s mates to get something to remember him well with any remaining funds going to the family.
“I only have a 1000 ltr water tank which will last about three hours max so I am looking for anyone to contact me who would like to offer their valet van and come and help us out. Anyone coming down I just ask for them to be patient with the boys as it will be their first time doing a proper car wash.
“Many of his pals have football games to go to but still want to do this for Andrew so please give them a wee pat on the back. If anyone else wants to come down and help out in any way, the more, the merrier. “
Members of the community and Andrew's friends and family have rallied together after the heartbreaking news of Andrew's passing last week on Tuesday March 14. So far they have raised just under £30,000 to help his family.
Emergency services had rushed to the Forrester High School grounds shortly after 3pm but were unable to save the teenager. Andrew’s dad had described his son as a "really popular boy" who loved his friends and playing football.
Andrew leaves behind sister Aimee, 20, sister Rachel, 17, mum Janine Dow, 48, and dad Andrew MacKinnon, 40, as well as stepdad Gary Weir, 55.
Those wishing to show their support to the car wash can do so by simply turning up on Sunday and if anyone cannot make it but would like to support the GoFundMe set up in his honour, click here.
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