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Calls for defibrillator to be installed on Lagan Towpath where jogger died

Lauren McCaughtry has described her devastation following the death of her boyfriend Matthew Thompson
Lauren McCaughtry has described her devastation following the death of her boyfriend Matthew Thompson Lauren McCaughtry has described her devastation following the death of her boyfriend Matthew Thompson

THE partner of a man who died after collapsing while out jogging on the Lagan Towpath in Lisburn has launched a fundraising appeal to get a defibrillator installed on the route.

Frantic attempts were made to resuscitate Matthew Thompson after he collapsed while out running on Saturday.

It is believed the 39-year-old, who worked as a manager at the Marks and Spencer store in Forestside, died at the scene.

Mr Thompson was a keen jogger and regularly ran 5k twice a week, but was unaware he had an underlying heart condition.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Thompson, who was described as the "kindest man and a real gent".

His girlfriend of almost four years Lauren McCaughtry, has set up a JustGiving fundraising campaign in his memory.

Ms McCaughtry wants to raise fund to get a defibrillator installed along the path where her boyfriend died.

In just over 24 hours, almost £3,500 had already been raised.

"My dearest Matthew was taken from us by an undiagnosed heart condition," she said.

"We are beyond devastated and are finding it hard to come to terms with why someone who brought joy to everybody that he knew and had his whole life ahead of him would be taken from us.

"We have got to get something good to come out of this absolute tragedy so please help us to purchase a defibrillator that we can put on the towpath where Matthew died so as we can maybe prevent some other family from going through this devastation."