Image source, British Heart Foundation
Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has spoken of the painful memory of a childhood friend who died suddenly from heart disease.
Before departing with the national team for the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, he visited a special mural dedicated to Chris Murray in Glasgow.
Chris, from Glasgow, died aged 22 after collapsing at work from sudden cardiac arrest.
A lifelong Rangers fan, he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition, at the age of three.
He is the subject of one of two enormous murals in Scotland painted to highlight the tragedy of sudden cardiac death in young people.
“If Chris were here right now, he would be our biggest supporter and cheer us on,” Lawrence said.
Image source, Murray family
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has created 12 murals across the UK in memory of talented young footballers and fans who have died too young.
Charities say 12 people under the age of 35 die from sudden cardiac death every week in the UK.
Chris’ mural has been installed outside Glasgow’s Dockyard Social venue and will be visible to fans attending football matches over the coming weeks.
The slogan “Scotland till I die” is a poignant message.
Ms Lawrence, 28, told BBC Scotland News: “I was unaware of Chris’ condition until he passed away.”
“He was only 22 at the time and it’s unimaginable that one of your peers would lose his life. It was a huge shock to all of us and something I had never experienced before.”
“I think this slogan is really powerful. When I first read it, I thought, ‘Ahhh.’ It was really shocking, but I think it should be that way.”
Image source, Murray family
Chris was a much-loved member of his friend group, and Lawrence has fond memories of him being the life of the party.
“Whether it was a local night or a big event, he was always in the middle of the dance floor,” he said.
“Probably my fondest memories are from T in the Park.
“He was crazy about Beyoncé. We were watching The Script and he wasn’t happy that they were dragging on and he was yelling for Beyoncé to come on – probably yelling louder than the singer.”
He says he’ll never forget the moment he found out his friend had died.
“I’ll always remember that phone call. One of my friends called me. It was sudden and unexpected and absolutely devastating.”
Team Chris, made up of Lawrence and Chris’ friends, has raised thousands of dollars to support the BHF’s awareness work and medical research.
Image source, British Heart Foundation
The BHF is calling for further funding for research into the cause.
David McColgan, chief executive of the Scottish charity, said: “Sudden cardiac death takes too many lives too soon. No one should have to experience the loss of a child, sibling or parent, but sadly it is the cruel reality of heart disease.”
“As the country celebrates UEFA Euro 2024, these powerful murals will serve as a reminder of the young football fan who died after a sudden heart attack and we would like to thank the family for kindly agreeing to share their story.”
Another mural in Scotland depicts Edinburgh’s Jamie Skinner, who died aged 13 in 2013 after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Hearts Football Club match.
Image source, Murray family
Scotland star Laurence Shankland wants people to be aware of the risks, having recently completed a CPR course himself so he knows what to do if something happens around him.
As he examined the mural of his friend, he said, “I wish he wasn’t on that wall, but he is. He was a really, really good friend.”
“We’re just so proud to see him standing there. It was so special for everyone, his family and his group of friends, to have Chris standing there and we all took a lot of comfort from that.”
“I just want to send him love and hope he’s looking down on us with pride in heaven.”
