Hibs have announced a new sponsorship for the under-20s team, in memory of David Paul, who sadly passed away almost a year ago.
The logo of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) is to be on the shirt – and the Club is grateful to our main shirt sponsor Marathonbet for helping make the tribute possible.
David, 18, was a much-loved and valued member of Hibernian’s under-20 squad before he tragically passed away in December 2013 after suffering from ischaemic heart disease.
Marathonbet, who started their Main Sponsor partnership with Hibernian in the summer, learned about David’s passing and felt it would be a fitting tribute to his memory to donate the shirt sponsorship to CRY.
Marathonbet CEO Graham Luke said: “Donating the sponsorship of the Hibernian U20 team’s shirt in memory of David was the least that we could do.
“David’s tragic story had an impact not only at Hibernian Football Club, but throughout the wider football family.
“We are proud to be able to make this small gesture for David’s family and particularly Cardiac Risk in the Young.
“It is fitting that this talented young footballer will now leave a legacy at Hibernian Football Club and also to raise awareness of SADS.”
During the half-time interval at the recent Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road, supporter Andrew McBrierty played Marathonbet’s ‘Shoot the O’ Challenge and scored four times to raise £400 for CRY.
Luke added: “By scoring four goals at half-time during the recent Edinburgh Derby, Andrew raised a £400 donation that we have made to CRY.
“Fittingly, that £400 can cover the cost of ECGs for 11 young people. Marathonbet support charity and community projects when and wherever we can. We aim to continue supporting CRY throughout our association with Hibernian.”
David’s father, Gordon Paul (pictured above with Under-20 Development Coach Joe McBride) welcomed the news and said: “On behalf of Helen and myself, we’d like to thank Marathonbet and Hibernian Football Club for their continued support following David’s sudden passing.
“We are overwhelmed and grateful for this generosity and also to everyone else whose efforts have helped to raise over £50,000 for The Jenni & David Paul Memorial Fund in support of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young CRY
“CRY’s aim is to work with cardiologists and family doctors to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young by establishing good practice and screening facilities devoted to significantly reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death throughout the UK. Continued awareness and fundraising will help us all to achieve this goal.”
Club captain Liam Craig said: “David left a lasting impression on the football club; he was a talented footballer and an absolute gentleman – universally popular amongst his team-mates.
“Thanks to Marathonbet for generously enabling CRY to appear on the under-20 team’s shirts for two seasons.
“Hopefully it will help to raise awareness and also act as a constant reminder about who David was and what he still means to Hibernian. His memory marches on.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
