More than £13,000 raised in memory of a dad of three has been used to buy six defibrillators in his honour.
Ewan Hitchell had been training for the Ultra Scotland 100 Mile race before he died in May last year, aged just 45.
He was taking on the challenge to raise money for a defibrillator for Dalbeattie Star Youth Football Club where sons Cammy and Connor play.
He was inspired to raise funds after a defibrillator helped save the life of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen during the European Championships in 2021, while there was a personal aspect as his dad Cammy died in similar circumstances while playing for Threave Rovers in 1986.
Ewan, a well-known postie in and around Dalbeattie, had hoped to raise £1,200 to cover the cost of the equipment for the youth team.
But instead David McBeth from Castle Douglas donated the piece of kit in memory of brother Iain, who died in 2019 from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).
Ewan then turned to raising funds for a public defibrillator for the town’s Colliston Park where the youth teams train.
Following his death, thousands of pounds flooded into his online fundraiser with more money raised at a service celebrating his life.
The final total of £13,588 was passed to Dalbeattie Community First Responders who have arranged the purchase of defibrillators and storage boxes.
Ewan’s wife, Jen, said: “Unfortunately Ewan didn’t get the chance to complete his challenge but everyone’s generosity has meant that we’ve been able to smash his original target and arrange for six public access defibs to be bought and installed locally.
“We know Ewan would have been so proud to see these important pieces of equipment being made available in his memory. It was a really important cause for him and we’ve been blown away at the level of support we’ve received.”
Ewan’s sons were joined by their sister Izzy as they handed over a defib to the youth football team which will be housed in a box beside the football pitch in Colliston Park alongside a plaque dedicated to their dad.
Amanda Macaulay, of Dalbeattie Community First Responders, added: “We’ve been working with Ewan’s family to get defibs bought and installed in various locations.
The defibs can be unlocked in an emergency using codes available by calling 999 and telling the operator the location.
