A YOUTH football coach is raising funds for lifesaving equipment at his club after losing his dad suddenly to a cardiac arrest.

Neil Tustin wants to see a new £1,000 defibrillator installed outside Highworth Town Juniors' clubhouse at The Elms so that it can be used by the community at any time of the day or night.

Neil's dad Will died at the age of 71. He helped out at the club by marking out lines on the youth pitches – a mantle his son has since taken on alongside his coaching duties.

“It makes me feel close to my dad,” Neil said: “I adore this club, it’s like a family.

"I want the extra defibrillator so that everyone can use it. I'm more aware of it now.

“I appreciate every penny and it’s a great cause. It could save a life in the future.”

Vice-chairman of Highworth Juniors Paul Clarke says the club is fully behind Neil's scheme.

He said: “It’s a cracking idea, the club is only open on Saturdays and Sundays but some teams train midweek so this will be available to them.

“Not only can people from the club access it, but it’s also there for anyone in the community.

“We will all be supporting Neil’s cause.

“On the weekends we’ll have buckets for donations and we’re in the process of organising a charity disco for some of the younger teams.

“Will was very much a part of the club and Neil has taken the lines on as a way to carry on his father's legacy.

“It’s an emotional thing for Neil to be doing and we would give any of our time to help him.”

The campaign currently has £294 towards its £1,000 target. To donate visit gofundme.com/f/trying-to-raise-funds-for-defibrillator